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According to ESPN reporter Chris Low, Nick Saban is stepping down as the Alabama head coach. Assuming he doesn’t take any other coaching roles, this will mark the end of a 51-year coaching career.
Nick Saban Coaching History
Saban began his career as a graduate assistant at Kent State. Eventually, after several stops, he made his head coaching debut at Toledo, where he compiled a 9-2 record in his only season there. His next head coaching gig was at Michigan State, where his record in 5 seasons was 34-24-1. He then took the LSU head coaching job, where he experienced his first true taste of success as a head coach, leading the Tigers to their first national championship in 45 years.
Afterward, Saban decided to test the waters as an NFL head coach, having already gained some NFL experience as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. He took the Miami Dolphins head coaching position and, in a total of two seasons, compiled an uninspiring 15-17 record.
Saban then went back to college, taking the Alabama football head coaching position where his career took off. After a rough first season, Saban took the college football world by storm. Under him, the Crimson Tide became synonymous with elite defense, efficient offense, hard-nosed discipline, and championships. Saban guided the Tide to six national championships, including back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012.
A Football Legacy
NFL players whom Saban coached at Alabama include Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams, Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley and Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Saban’s official record at Alabama is 201-29 through 17 seasons, including a 117-18 mark in SEC play. His overall college head coaching record is 292-71-1, including 19-12 in bowl games. His seven national championships are the most ever for a college football head coach.
Who Will Be the Next Alabama Head Coach?
Who the next Alabama head coach will be remains to be seen, but according to bookies.com, the odds-on favorite is Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning at +300.