The greatest college football coach of all-time has officially retired.
The news came out of nowhere, and it’s a day that some people thought would never come – but Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban is shockingly stepping down.
ESPN’s Chris Low broke the story that the legendary Saban will be heading off into the sunset, ending a masterful 28-year career that saw him become the most successful coach in the history of the sport.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban is retiring, sources tell Chris Low.
What a career 👏 pic.twitter.com/YrMmMwOwSQ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 10, 2024
The 72-year-old concluded his illustrious 17-season tenure at the University of Alabama, coming one win shy of reaching yet another national title game … Unfortunately, Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines stood in their way on that otherwise glorious New Years Day in Pasadena.
" It's Williams in motion. Low snap. MILROE STOPPED. MICHIGAN MAKES A STAND AND COMES UP WITH A MILESTONE PLAYOFF VICTORY."
Chris Fowler on the call for the Final play of the Rose Bowl.
Michigan beats Alabama 27-20 in overtime. pic.twitter.com/NFjkAGZKiT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 2, 2024
Saban won an incredible seven national championships during his college coaching career. His overall record stands at 292-71-1
He ranks sixth all-time in FBS wins and 12th in NCAA college football history across all divisions.
— trillgunderson (@TrillGunderson) January 11, 2024
Alabama’s dominance under Saban is further exemplified by their remarkable streak of 16 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins, the longest in the AP Poll era since 1936.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenging schedule, with the Crimson Tide playing 107 games against AP-ranked teams during Saban’s tenure, a remarkable 14 more than any other program.
Nick Saban has officially retired
Thank you for everything you’ve done for the University of Alabama 🐘❤️
You’re the GOAT 🐐 pic.twitter.com/5eruHx8Rjb
— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) January 10, 2024
This is truly an end of an era.
It’s hard to imagine watching the Tide next fall without Saban on the sideline.
Bill Belichick on Nick Saban.
GOATs.
— Savage (@SavageSports_) January 10, 2024
Needless to say, the news nearly broke the internet as social media became flooded with comments and compliments for the legend…
“Definitely ain’t a Bama fan, but 1000% respect the man & what he’s preached as it doesn’t just apply to football. If everyone, no matter the industry or profession, embraced the constant drive to improve themselves & get better at their craft, we’d all be better off.”
Definitely ain't a Bama fan, but 1000% respect the man & what he's preached as it doesn't just apply to football. If everyone, no matter the industry or profession, embraced the constant drive to improve themselves & get better at their craft, we'd all be better off.
— Fear The Spear (@Seminole_Buddha) January 10, 2024
“There will never be another Nick Saban.”
“Bro the football world should be in mourning right now.”
Bro the football world should be in mourning right now
— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) January 10, 2024
“Outside Bryant-Denny Stadium, #Alabama fans have placed oatmeal cream pies and coke at the bottom of Nick Saban’s statue … Somber aura around the University’s campus.”
Outside Bryant-Denny Stadium, #Alabama fans have placed oatmeal cream pies and coke at the bottom of Nick Saban’s statue.
Somber aura around the University’s campus. pic.twitter.com/k60pBCj6jK
— Mathey Gibson (@Mathey_Gibson1) January 10, 2024
“Alabama player are cut differently … Humanity is so blessed to have witnessed this all play out for our entertainment ultimately.”
Alabama player are cut differently.
Humanity is so blessed to have witnessed this all play out for our entertainment ultimately.— Garett Nelson (@garettnelson) January 11, 2024
“Saban is and will always be The Standard…”
Saban is and will always be The Standard…
— Ohio X’s and O’s 🏈 (@OhioXsAndOs) January 10, 2024
“Nick Saban. My coach. My governor. My GOAT. Thanks for 17 years of pride and excellence.”
Nick Saban. My coach. My governor. My GOAT 🐐 Thanks for 17 years of pride and excellence @AlabamaFTBL 🐘 pic.twitter.com/oEIWVSt5eJ
— Geechi (@ThatDakari) January 10, 2024
“Roll tide roll. Knew the day would come eventually but still hard to imagine it’s actually happening … One of the best to ever do it.”
Roll tide roll. Knew the day would come eventually but still hard to imagine it’s actually happening.
One of the best to ever do it.
— Rawk (@Rawk_FI) January 10, 2024
“WOW! College Football just lost the GOAT to retirement. WOW! I knew it would happen 1 day soon but not this soon. The game has change so much that it chased the GOAT away. College football let’s hold up our mirrors and say HONESTLY what u see.”
-says the guy that averages 40 portal commits a season
— 𝙁𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙𝙎𝙤𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧 (@SOONERSnFITTEDS) January 10, 2024
What are your thoughts on the news?
How shocked were you to hear that Saban is retiring?
Where do you rank him among the best coaches in FOOTBALL history???
“Tell me about the day Nick Saban retired” pic.twitter.com/pY12zUY4Dz
— Courtney McKinney (@CourtAnne1225) January 10, 2024