Nick Saban’s legendary coaching career has long been synonymous with Alabama’s dynastic success, but it’s his earlier run at LSU that is now earning him a lasting tribute in Louisiana.
The former Tigers head coach has officially been named to the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class, commemorating a pivotal five-year stretch from 2000 to 2004 that helped restore LSU to national prominence.
The school celebrated the announcement with a message on social media.
“Congratulations to Nick Saban on being added to the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class!” LSU Football posted on X.
While Saban’s legacy is most often defined by his dominant 17-year reign at Alabama – where he compiled a staggering 206-29 record, six national titles, and a 16-7 postseason mark – his time in Baton Rouge laid the foundation for what would become the most iconic coaching career in college football history.
During his tenure at LSU, Saban amassed a 48-16 record, led the Tigers to five straight bowl games (going 3-2), and claimed two SEC championships.
The crown jewel of that run came in 2003, when Saban guided LSU to a 13-1 record and a 21-14 victory over Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl – clinching the school’s second-ever national title.
That breakthrough season remains one of the defining moments in LSU history and was a major springboard to the dominance Saban would later achieve in Tuscaloosa.
While Saban has since become a living legend at Alabama, earning the reputation as the greatest college football coach of all time, his Hall of Fame induction serves as a reminder of the championship roots he planted in Louisiana.
He’s not the only LSU star to be honored this year, either.
Joining him in the Hall of Fame class is Andrew Whitworth, a standout offensive tackle for the Tigers from 2001 to 2005, who went on to enjoy a decorated NFL career that included a Super Bowl win with the Rams.
With both Saban and Whitworth entering the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame together, 2025 will mark a celebration of one of the most successful chapters in LSU football history.
Naturally, there are going to be some fans who don’t feel that Saban should be inducted into any Louisiana Hall of Fame. However, the vast majority feel it’s a well-deserved honor.
Where do you stand on the issue???
