History of Nick Saban in Timeline
Nick Saban is an American sportscaster and former football coach, now an analyst for ESPN's College GameDay. Widely regarded as one of the greatest football coaches ever, he led the University of Alabama to six national championships from 2007 to 2023. Before Alabama, he coached the Miami Dolphins and the University of Toledo, Michigan State University, and Louisiana State University (LSU). His tenure at Alabama cemented his legacy as a legendary figure in college football.
1908: Stanko Saban Emigrated to Portland
In 1908, Nick Saban's paternal grandfather, Stanko Saban, emigrated from Gospić, Croatia, to Portland, Oregon, when he was 13 years old.
1922: First time since 1922 Alabama traveled to Austin, Texas
In 2022, Alabama traveled to Austin, Texas, for the first time since 1922 to play Texas.
1936: Inception of the AP Poll
Since the inception of the AP Poll in 1936, Nick Saban became the first coach in college football history to win a national championship with two different Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools.
1946: Alabama becomes the second program to have three players finish in the top five in Heisman voting, joining Army's 1946 team
In 2021, Alabama became the second program to have three players finish in the top five in Heisman voting, joining Army's 1946 team. DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy, Mac Jones finished third and Najee Harris finished fifth in voting.
October 31, 1951: Nick Saban's Birth
On October 31, 1951, Nicholas Lou Saban Jr. was born. He is now known as a sportscaster and former football coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest football coaches of all time.
1958: Previous Single-Season Record
In 2003, the LSU Tigers broke the single-season record of 11 wins set by the 1958 National Championship team.
1965: Most Wins for Spartans Since 1965
The 1999 Michigan State Spartans team, coached by Nick Saban and then Bobby Williams, had the most wins for the Spartans in a season since 1965.
1966: First Orange Bowl win since 1966
In 2018, Alabama won its first Orange Bowl since 1966, marking a significant milestone in the program's history during Nick Saban's tenure.
1966: Highest Ranking Since 1966 Team
The 1999 Michigan State Spartans team reached their highest ranking since the 1966 team.
1968: West Virginia Class A State Championship
In 1968, Nick Saban, as a quarterback, helped lead Monongah High School to the West Virginia Class A state championship during his senior year.
1968: First Sugar Bowl Win Since 1968
In 2001, LSU's Sugar Bowl win marked the first time the Tigers had won the Sugar Bowl since 1968.
1969: Graduation from Monongah High School
In 1969, Nick Saban graduated from Monongah High School, marking the end of his secondary education.
May 4, 1970: Avoided Kent State Shootings
On May 4, 1970, Nick Saban, then a student at Kent State University, and his roommate avoided being part of the Kent State shootings by deciding to eat lunch before going to the rally area.
December 18, 1971: Marriage to Terry Constable
On December 18, 1971, Nick Saban married Terry Constable in Fairmont, West Virginia. They met while attending Kent State University.
1971: Tying The Record Set Back From 1971 to 1981
In 2017, the Tide defeated Tennessee 45–7. The win was the 11th consecutive victory over the Vols, tying the record set back from 1971 to 1981.
1972: Joined Kent State coaching staff
In 1972, after finishing his degree at Kent State, Saban joined the Kent State coaching staff as a graduate assistant, convinced by Don James.
1973: Graduation from Kent State University
In 1973, Nick Saban graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in business.
1975: Earned Master's Degree from Kent State
In 1975, Nick Saban earned his master's degree in sports administration from Kent State University.
1977: Assistant Coach at Syracuse
In 1977, Nick Saban served as an assistant coach at Syracuse.
1977: First Time It Had Won Three Straight SEC Titles Since 1977–1979
In 2016, Alabama's third straight conference championship marked the first time it had won three straight SEC titles since 1977–1979, highlighting a historical achievement.
1978: Assistant Coach at West Virginia
In 1978, Nick Saban served as an assistant coach at West Virginia.
1979: Assistant Coach at West Virginia
In 1979, Nick Saban continued as an assistant coach at West Virginia.
1979: First Time It Had Won Three Straight SEC Titles Since 1977–1979
In 2016, Alabama's third straight conference championship marked the first time it had won three straight SEC titles since 1977–1979, highlighting a historical achievement.
1979: Most Points In A Game Since 1979
In 2017, Alabama scored the most points in a game since 1979 with a 66-3 victory over Ole Miss.
1980: First consecutive shutout of a conference opponent since 1980
In 1980, Alabama achieved its first consecutive shutout of a conference opponent since 1980 during Nick Saban's twelfth season as head coach.
1980: Assistant Coach at Ohio State
In 1980, Nick Saban became an assistant coach at Ohio State University.
1981: Assistant Coach at Ohio State
In 1981, Nick Saban continued his role as an assistant coach at Ohio State.
1981: Tying The Record Set Back From 1971 to 1981
In 2017, the Tide defeated Tennessee 45–7. The win was the 11th consecutive victory over the Vols, tying the record set back from 1971 to 1981.
1982: Friendship with Bill Belichick
In 1982, Bill Belichick and Saban became friends, marking the beginning of their long-standing relationship.
1982: Assistant Coach at Navy
In 1982, Nick Saban served as an assistant coach at Navy.
1982: Worked with Steve Belichick at Navy
In 1982, Saban worked with Steve Belichick, Bill Belichick's father, while on the staff together at Navy.
1983: Assistant Coach at Michigan State
In 1983, Nick Saban began his tenure as an assistant coach at Michigan State University.
1986: First Outright SEC Championship
In 2001, under Nick Saban, LSU won their first outright SEC championship since 1986.
1986: First Meeting With The Huskies Since The 1986 Sun Bowl
In 2016, Alabama won against Washington Huskies in the Peach Bowl, in the first meeting with the Huskies since the 1986 Sun Bowl.
1987: Passed Over for Head Coaching Position at Kent State, Hired by Houston Oilers
After the 1987 season, Nick Saban was not selected for the vacant head coaching position at Kent State. He was then hired as an assistant for the Houston Oilers in the NFL.
1987: Assistant Coach at Michigan State
In 1987, Nick Saban concluded his time as an assistant coach at Michigan State.
1988: Toledo Rockets Season
In 1988, the Toledo Rockets had a 6-5 season before Nick Saban became head coach.
December 22, 1989: Hired as Head Coach by University of Toledo
On December 22, 1989, Nick Saban was hired by the University of Toledo as their head coach, marking the beginning of his head coaching career.
1990: Toledo Rockets Co-Champion of Mid-American Conference
In 1990, under Nick Saban, the Toledo Rockets achieved a 9-2 season and became co-champion of the Mid-American Conference.
1990: First Time Since 1990–1992
In 2016, Alabama achieved its third straight win over the Tigers, marking the first time since 1990–1992 that they had accomplished this feat.
1990: First Meeting Between the Schools Since 1990
In 2021, Alabama was chosen as the #1 seed and played the #4 seed Cincinnati in the College Football Playoff, marking the first meeting between the schools since 1990.
1990: Michigan State's Previous Winning Season
Michigan State had not had a winning season since 1990 before Nick Saban became the head coach in 1995.
1992: First Three-Peat Since the SEC Championship Game Was Added in 1992
In 2016, Alabama's third straight conference championship was the first three-peat since the SEC Championship Game was added in 1992, marking a significant achievement.
1994: Cleveland Browns Defensive Unit Best in NFL
In 1994, Nick Saban helped lead the Cleveland Browns' defensive unit, as defensive coordinator, to be the best in the NFL in points allowed.
1995: Head Coach of Michigan State
In 1995, Nick Saban became the head coach of Michigan State University, taking over a team that had not had a winning season since 1990 and was sanctioned by the NCAA.
1995: Improved Michigan State's Football Fortunes
In 1995, Nick Saban began to improve Michigan State's football fortunes, ultimately taking the Spartans to bowl games in each of his first three seasons. From 1995 to 1997, Michigan State finished 6–5–1, 6–6, and 7–5.
1997: Continued Improvements for Michigan State Football
In 1997, Nick Saban continued to improve Michigan State's football program, leading them to a 7-5 record and a bowl game appearance.
November 1999: Named Head Football Coach at LSU
In November 1999, Nick Saban was named the 31st head football coach at Louisiana State University (LSU).
2000: LSU Tigers Peach Bowl Victory
In 2000, Nick Saban's LSU Tigers achieved an 8-4 record and won the Peach Bowl against Georgia Tech.
2001: LSU Wins SEC Championship and Sugar Bowl
In 2001, Nick Saban led LSU to a 10-3 record, an SEC Championship win against Tennessee, and a Sugar Bowl victory over Illinois.
2002: Inconsistent Season for LSU
In 2002, LSU had an inconsistent season, starting with high expectations but finishing with an 8-5 record after key injuries and losses.
2002: LSU Wins Sugar Bowl
In 2002, LSU won the Sugar Bowl after the 2001 season, marking the first time the Tigers had won the Sugar Bowl since 1968.
2003: LSU Wins BCS National Championship
In 2003, Nick Saban led the LSU Tigers to a 13-1 record, winning the SEC Championship and the BCS National Championship against Oklahoma Sooners in the Sugar Bowl.
December 25, 2004: Accepted Head Coaching Position for the Miami Dolphins
On December 25, 2004, Nick Saban accepted the head coaching position for the Miami Dolphins, becoming the sixth coach in the franchise's history.
2004: Final Season at LSU and Departure for Miami Dolphins
In 2004, LSU finished the season with a 9-3 record after losing to Iowa in the Capital One Bowl. At the end of the 2004 season, Nick Saban departed from LSU to become the coach of the Miami Dolphins.
2005: First Season with the Miami Dolphins
In 2005, Nick Saban's first season with the Miami Dolphins saw the team finish with a 9-7 record, narrowly missing the playoffs.
2005: Relationship with Lou Saban
In 2005, an article referred to Saban and Lou Saban as "distant cousins," with Lou commenting on the younger Saban's success.
November 27, 2006: Alabama Announces Firing of Mike Shula
On November 27, 2006, the University of Alabama announced the firing of their head coach, Mike Shula, leading to speculation about Nick Saban being a potential replacement.
December 2006: Media Speculation about Alabama Job
During December 2006, Nick Saban repeatedly denied rumors about taking the Alabama coaching job, stating on December 21 that he would not be the Alabama coach. However, he met with Alabama officials on January 1, 2007.
2006: Unsuccessful Season with the Miami Dolphins
In 2006, Nick Saban's Miami Dolphins had an unsuccessful season, finishing with a 6-10 record despite a strong defensive performance.
January 1, 2007: Saban Met with Alabama Officials
On January 1, 2007, shortly after the Dolphins' season-ending loss, Nick Saban met with Alabama officials regarding the head coaching position.
January 3, 2007: Acceptance of Alabama Head Coach Position
On January 3, 2007, Nick Saban accepted an offer to become the head coach of Alabama, signing an eight-year contract worth US$32 million, making him one of the highest-paid football coaches in the United States.
January 4, 2007: Introduction as Head Football Coach
On January 4, 2007, Nick Saban was officially introduced as the head football coach of The University of Alabama at a press conference on the Alabama campus.
September 1, 2007: Season Opener Win
On September 1, 2007, Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide opened the season with a 52–6 win over the Western Carolina Catamounts, scoring more points than during any game in the 2006 season.
2007: Began Coaching at Alabama
In 2007, Nick Saban began his tenure as head coach at the University of Alabama, a position he held until 2023.
September 1, 2008: Forbes Cover Appearance
On September 1, 2008, Nick Saban appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine as "The Most Powerful Coach in Sports."
2008: Coach of the Year Awards
In 2008, Nick Saban received several Coach of the Year awards for his efforts during the season.
2009: First Bowl Loss
In 2009, Alabama suffered their first bowl loss under Saban against Utah in the Sugar Bowl. In 2014, Saban suffered his second bowl loss at Alabama since the 2009 Sugar Bowl against Utah.
2009: Lowest Preseason Ranking Since 2009
In 2009, Alabama's preseason ranking was the lowest since the 2009 season. In 2015, Saban and Alabama began the year ranked No. 3 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll.
2009: Mark Ingram II wins Heisman Trophy
In 2009, Mark Ingram II became one of the four Heisman Trophy winners coached by Nick Saban at Alabama.
2009: Alabama Crimson Tide win BCS National Championship
In 2009, Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to a BCS National Championship, adding to his list of national titles.
2009: Cameo appearance in The Blind Side
In 2009, Saban made a cameo appearance as himself in the film The Blind Side, improvising his lines based on a real conversation.
2009: SEC Championship Win and On-Campus Celebration
In 2009, the Crimson Tide defeated the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship, representing Alabama's 22nd SEC title and its first since 1999. At the on-campus celebration, Saban famously stated "I want everybody here to know, this is not the end. This is the beginning."
2009: Finished Regular Season 12-0 For The First Time Since 2009
In 2016, Alabama finished its regular season 12-0 for the first time since 2009, which happened 7 years ago in Saban's career at Alabama.
2009: Saban's first undefeated season since 2009
In 2020, Alabama finished the season 13-0, marking Saban's first undefeated season since 2009.
August 2010: Release of Nick Saban: Gamechanger documentary
In August 2010, the documentary Nick Saban: Gamechanger was released, featuring interviews from Belichick and Alabama athletic director Mal Moore, among others.
2010: Ranked No. 1 in preseason polls
In 2010, Alabama, coached by Nick Saban, was ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches preseason polls, marking the first time since 2010 that they achieved this ranking.
2010: BCS National Championship Win
In 2010, Saban's Crimson Tide defeated the Texas Longhorns in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game to finish a perfect 14–0, giving Alabama their first National Championship since 1992.
2010: First time losing two games in the regular season since 2010
In 2019, Saban suffered his second loss of the season to rival #15 Auburn 48-45. It was the first time since 2010 that Saban had lost two games in the regular season.
April 16, 2011: Unveiling of Saban's Statue
On April 16, 2011, a life-sized bronzed statue of Nick Saban was unveiled at the 2011 A-Day spring game, making him Alabama's fifth coach to be immortalized outside the north end zone of Bryant–Denny Stadium.
2011: Capital One Bowl Victory
In 2011, Alabama defeated #7 Michigan State 49-7 in the Capital One Bowl, securing Alabama's third consecutive 10-win season.
2011: Alabama Crimson Tide win AP National Championship
In 2011, Nick Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to an AP National Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a top coach.
2012: 2012 SEC Title
In 2012, Alabama achieved its first SEC championship since 2012, marking Alabama's 24th SEC championship. In 2014, Saban won his 5th SEC title (3rd with Alabama) defeating #14 Missouri 42–13.
2012: First National Championship Appearance Since 2012
In 2012, Alabama marked its first appearance in a national championship game since the 2012 season. In 2015, Alabama won its first game in the College Football Playoff and marked Alabama's first appearance in a national championship game since the 2012 season.
2012: SEC Championship Win and BCS Bowl Game Spot
In 2012, Alabama overcame a late drive by #3 Georgia to win the SEC Championship. The win also clinched a spot in a BCS bowl game for the fourth time in five years.
2012: Alabama Crimson Tide win AP National Championship
In 2012, Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to another AP National Championship, marking another significant achievement in his career.
2012: First Shutout Over LSU Since 2012 BCS National Championship Game
In 2016, Alabama achieved its first shutout over LSU since the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, marking a significant defensive performance.
January 7, 2013: BCS National Championship Win Against Notre Dame
On January 7, 2013, Alabama defeated Notre Dame 42-14 in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, securing their 15th national championship and their third championship in four years.
2013: Alabama's 2013 Season
In 2013, Alabama, under Nick Saban, began the season ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches preseason polls for the first time since 2010. They defeated Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game and went on to defeat Texas A&M, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Georgia State, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee, maintaining an undefeated record through most of the season.
2013: Induction into Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
In 2013, Nick Saban was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to sports in Alabama.
2013: First meeting since the 2013 BCS National Championship Game
In 2020, Alabama was selected as the #1 seed and played the #4 seed Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl, marking the first meeting since the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, with the Tide winning 31-14.
2014: 2014 Season
In 2014, Alabama began the year ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll. They defeated West Virginia, Florida Atlantic, Southern Miss, and Florida. They suffered a loss to Ole Miss but bounced back, defeating Arkansas and Texas A&M. They defeated Auburn 55-44 and won the SEC Championship against Missouri. Alabama was selected for the first College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed but lost to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, finishing the season at 12–2.
2014: First playoff semifinal loss since 2014
In 2014, Saban experienced his first playoff semifinal loss since then.
2014: First Meeting Since 2014 Sugar Bowl
In 2018, during the College Football Playoff, Alabama and Oklahoma played their first game since the 2014 Sugar Bowl.
2015: Derrick Henry wins Heisman Trophy
In 2015, Derrick Henry became one of the four Heisman Trophy winners coached by Nick Saban at Alabama.
2015: Alabama Crimson Tide win College Football Playoff Championship
In 2015, Nick Saban led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff championship, adding another national title to his coaching record.
2016: 2016 Season
In 2016, Alabama started the season ranked #1 in the AP and Coaches Poll. They dominated USC, Western Kentucky, Ole Miss, Kent State, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. They shut out LSU and defeated Mississippi State. They secured their third consecutive SEC West Division championship. They defeated Auburn and finished the regular season 12–0. In the SEC Championship, Alabama defeated Florida. They made the College Football Playoff and defeated Washington in the Peach Bowl but fell short to Clemson in the National Championship game.
2017: Alabama Crimson Tide win College Football Playoff Championship
In 2017, Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to another College Football Playoff championship, continuing his success in college football.
2018: Endorsed Manchin for Senate
In 2018, Saban endorsed Joe Manchin for Senate, highlighting their shared background in West Virginia.
2019: Saban on relationship with Belichick
In 2019, Saban spoke about his relationship with Bill Belichick, expressing a deep love and respect for his success.
October 14, 2020: Saban Tests Positive for COVID-19
On October 14, 2020, Nick Saban tested positive for COVID-19, along with the university athletic director, Greg Byrne.
2020: Devonta Smith wins Heisman Trophy
In 2020, Devonta Smith became one of the four Heisman Trophy winners coached by Nick Saban at Alabama.
2020: Michigan knocks off Alabama in Citrus Bowl
2020: Alabama Crimson Tide win College Football Playoff Championship
In 2020, Nick Saban secured another College Football Playoff championship with the Alabama Crimson Tide, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest coaches.
January 5, 2021: DeVonta Smith wins Heisman Trophy
On January 5, 2021, DeVonta Smith became Saban's third Heisman Trophy winner. Mac Jones and Najee Harris finished third and fifth respectively in voting.
June 7, 2021: Saban agrees to contract extension with Alabama
On June 7, 2021, Nick Saban agreed to a contract extension with Alabama that runs through the 2028 season.
2021: Bryce Young wins Heisman Trophy
In 2021, Bryce Young became one of the four Heisman Trophy winners coached by Nick Saban at Alabama.
2022: 2022 Season
In 2022, Alabama started the year ranked #1 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll, marking the 15th consecutive season the Tide have been #1 at some point of the year.
2022: Co-signed letter supporting the Freedom to Vote Act
In 2022, Saban co-signed a letter directed at Senator Joe Manchin, voicing support for the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act, while including a footnote that he does not support the removal of the filibuster in the Senate.
2023: End of Coaching Career at Alabama
In 2023, Nick Saban concluded his coaching career at the University of Alabama. During his tenure from 2007 to 2023, he led the team to six national championships in nine championship appearances.
2023: Purchase of beach house in Jupiter, Florida
2023: Weekly Guest on The Pat McAfee Show
Since 2023, Saban has appeared as a weekly guest on The Pat McAfee Show during the college football season.
January 10, 2024: Saban announces retirement
On January 10, 2024, Nick Saban announced his retirement from coaching, concluding his career at Alabama with a record of 201–29.
February 7, 2024: Hired by ESPN as an Analyst for College GameDay
On February 7, 2024, Saban was hired by ESPN as an analyst for College GameDay, beginning with the 2024 college football season. He will also contribute to NFL Draft and SEC Media Days coverage.
June 2024: Advisory Role for Alabama's Athletics Program
In June 2024, it was reported that Saban serves in an advisory role for Alabama's athletics program with an annual salary of $500,000 and has an office at Bryant–Denny Stadium.
2024: Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium
In 2024, the University of Alabama named the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium after Saban, officially becoming known as Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 7.
2025: Induction into Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame
In 2025, Nick Saban is set to be inducted into both the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements and legacy in football.
2028: Contract Extension Through 2028
On June 7, 2021, Saban agreed to a contract extension with Alabama through the 2028 season.
December 4: Selection for BCS National Championship Game
On December 4, Alabama was selected to face LSU in the BCS National Championship Game by finishing No. 2 in the final BCS rankings.
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