A Legendary 50-year run takes an end as Coach Nick Saban Retires.
Photo Credit: AP
TUSCALOOSA, AL— Imagine devoting yourself to fifty years in the field you love. Well, that was the narrative for football coach Nick Saban. The longtime legend served as the head football coach at the University of Alabama from 2007 to 2023 and is widely considered one of the greatest college football coaches. After winning six national titles across 17 years, the legend is set to retire as the announcement flooded headlines Wednesday.
The architect of the Alabama football dynasty is responsible for as many as 123 players getting selected for NFL teams. While in Tuscaloosa, Saban’s team produced 44 first-round picks in the NFL Draft. The well-coached Crimson Tide team has put at least one player into the first round in each of the last 15 drafts. Additionally, Saban also coached four Heisman winners, which include players Mark Ingram II (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), and Devonta Smith (2020). Saban paved a path to greatness as he holds the NCAA record for the most first-round draft picks in a career. It’s sad to say the Nick Saban era is at an end. The 72-year-old’s career is unmatched and like no other, as he rides off into the sunset, where he’ll watch his continued success through all the players he helped pave a path for. Saban stated during a press conference that he and his wife Terry, “have enjoyed every minute” of their 17 years at the university and part of the Tuscaloosa community.
“It is not just about how many games we won and lost, but it’s about the legacy and how we went about it,” said Saban.
A legacy indeed, Saban and his historical journey will go down to be one of the most legendary runs in history.
