History of Nick Saban in Timeline

Nick Saban is a renowned American sportscaster and former football coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the sport's history. He's currently an analyst for ESPN's College GameDay. Saban's coaching career included stints at Toledo, Michigan State, and LSU, but he is most celebrated for his tenure at the University of Alabama from 2007 to 2023. During this time, he led Alabama to six claimed national championships and one unclaimed, appearing in nine title games. He also secured 9 SEC titles and 10 SEC West Division championships solidifying his legacy as a coaching icon.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1908: Stanko Saban Emigrates to the U.S.

In 1908, Nick Saban's paternal grandfather, Stanko Saban, emigrated from Croatia to Portland, Oregon.

1922: Alabama Traveled to Austin, Texas, for the First Time Since 1922 to Play Texas

In 2022, Alabama traveled to Austin, Texas, for the first time since 1922 to play Texas. Alabama overcame a late deficit to win 20-19.

1936: Inception of the AP Poll

In 1936, the Associated Press (AP) Poll was established.

1946: Alabama's First Appearance and Win in the Rose Bowl Since 1946

In 2020, Alabama was selected as the #1 seed and played Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl. It was Alabama's first appearance and win in the Rose Bowl since 1946, defeating the Irish 31-14.

1946: Alabama Becomes Second Program to Have Three Players Finish in the Top Five in Heisman Voting

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. Alabama became the second program to have three players finish in the top five in Heisman voting, joining Army's 1946 team.

October 31, 1951: Nick Saban's Birth

On October 31, 1951, Nicholas Lou Saban Jr. was born. He would later become a sportscaster and celebrated football coach.

1958: Previous Single Season Record

Prior to 2003, the 1958 team had the single season record of 11 wins.

1965: Most Wins for Spartans

Prior to the 1999 season, the 1965 season was the last time the Spartans had this many wins.

1966: Alabama's First Orange Bowl Win Since 1966

In 2018, In the first meeting since the 2014 Sugar Bowl, the Tide ended a three-game losing streak to Oklahoma, winning 45–34. It was Alabama's first Orange Bowl win since 1966.

1966: Spartans highest ranking

Prior to the 1999 season, the 1966 team was the last time the Spartans had this high of a ranking.

1968: Monongah wins West Virginia Class A state championship

In 1968, Nick Saban helped lead Monongah High School to the West Virginia Class A state championship as their quarterback.

1968: LSU's First Sugar Bowl Win

Prior to 2001, the last time the Tigers had won the Sugar Bowl was in 1968.

1969: Saban Graduates High School

In 1969, Nick Saban graduated from Monongah High School.

May 4, 1970: Kent State Shootings

On May 4, 1970, Nick Saban, then a student at Kent State University, narrowly avoided being involved in the Kent State shootings.

December 18, 1971: Nick Saban Marries Terry Constable

On December 18, 1971, Nick Saban married Terry Constable in Fairmont, West Virginia.

1971: Tied Record from 1971 to 1981

In 2017, the Tide defeated Tennessee for the 11th consecutive time, tying the record set back from 1971 to 1981.

1972: Joins Kent State Coaching Staff

In 1972, after finishing his degree at Kent State, Don James convinced Nick Saban to join the Kent State coaching staff as a graduate assistant.

1973: Saban Graduates from Kent State

In 1973, Nick Saban graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in business.

1975: Saban Earns Master's Degree

In 1975, Nick Saban earned his master's degree in sports administration from Kent State University. His father passed away during his first year of graduate school.

1977: Assistant Coach at Syracuse

In 1977, Nick Saban served as an assistant coach at Syracuse University.

1977: First Time Since 1977-1979

In the SEC Championship, Alabama defeated #15 Florida in a rematch of the previous season's title game. This was Alabama's third straight conference championship, the first time it had won three straight SEC titles since 1977–1979.

1978: Assistant Coach at West Virginia

In 1978, Nick Saban served as an assistant coach at West Virginia University.

1979: Assistant Coach at West Virginia

In 1979, Nick Saban continued as an assistant coach at West Virginia University.

1979: Most Points in a Game Since 1979

In 2017, Alabama manhandled Ole Miss 66–3, the most points in a game since 1979.

1979: First Time Since 1977-1979

1980: Assistant Coach at Ohio State

In 1980, Nick Saban became an assistant coach at Ohio State University.

1980: First Time Since 1980

In 2018, The Tide shutout #18 Mississippi State, the second consecutive shutout of a conference opponent for first time since 1980.

1981: Alabama Defeats Auburn

In 1981, Nick Saban became the first Alabama coach since Bear Bryant to defeat Auburn four years in a row.

1981: Assistant Coach at Ohio State

In 1981, Nick Saban continued as an assistant coach at Ohio State University.

1981: Tied Record from 1971 to 1981

In 2017, the Tide defeated Tennessee for the 11th consecutive time, tying the record set back from 1971 to 1981.

1982: Friendship with Bill Belichick

In 1982, Bill Belichick and Nick Saban became friends, having known each other since then.

1982: Assistant Coach at Navy

In 1982, Nick Saban worked as an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy.

1982: Working with Steve Belichick at Navy

In 1982, Nick Saban worked with Bill Belichick's father, Steve, while on 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.

1985: First Meeting Since the 1985 Aloha Bowl

In 2016, Alabama started Saban's tenth season ranked #1 in the AP and Coaches Poll. In their first meeting since the 1985 Aloha Bowl, Alabama dominated traditional power #20 USC, 52–6, in the Advocare Classic at Arlington, Texas.

1986: First Meeting with the Huskies Since the 1986 Sun Bowl

Alabama made the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive year and came in as the #1 seed for the second time. In the first meeting with the Huskies since the 1986 Sun Bowl, Alabama won 24–7.

1986: LSU's First Outright SEC Championship

Prior to 2001, the last time LSU had an outright SEC championship was in 1986.

1987: Assistant Coach at Michigan State

In 1987, Nick Saban concluded his time as an assistant coach at Michigan State University.

1987: Hired as Assistant for Houston Oilers

In 1987, after being passed over for the head coaching position at Kent State, Nick Saban was hired as an assistant for the Houston Oilers in the National Football League.

1988: Toledo Rockets Season

In 1988, the Toledo Rockets had a 6-5 season.

December 22, 1989: Hired by University of Toledo

On December 22, 1989, Nick Saban was hired as head coach by the University of Toledo.

1990: Toledo Wins Mid-American Conference

In 1990, Nick Saban coached the Toledo Rockets to a 9–2 season, becoming co-champions of the Mid-American Conference.

1990: First Meeting Between the Schools Since 1990

In 2021, Alabama was chosen as the #1 seed and played Cincinnati in the first meeting between the schools since 1990.

1990: First Time Since 1990–1992

In the Iron Bowl, Saban secured an undefeated regular season by defeating in-state rival Auburn. This was Alabama's third straight win over the Tigers, the first time since 1990–1992.

1990: Michigan State's last winning season

Prior to Nick Saban's arrival, Michigan State had not had a winning season since 1990.

1992: First Time Since 1990-1992

In the Iron Bowl, Saban secured an undefeated regular season by defeating in-state rival #16 Auburn 30-12. This was Alabama's third straight win over the Tigers, the first time since 1990–1992.

1993: First Meeting Since the 1993 Sugar Bowl

In 2021, In the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Alabama defeated #14 Miami (FL) in their first meeting since the 1993 Sugar Bowl.

1994: Cleveland Browns defensive unit best in NFL

In 1994, Nick Saban helped lead the Cleveland Browns defensive unit to be the best in the NFL in points allowed.

1995: Saban becomes head coach of Michigan State

In 1995, Nick Saban became the head coach of Michigan State University.

1995: Michigan State Bowl Game

In 1995, Nick Saban took the Michigan State Spartans to a bowl game, finishing the season 6-5-1.

1997: Michigan State Bowl Game

In 1997, Nick Saban led the Michigan State Spartans to a bowl game, finishing the season 7-5.

November 7, 1998: Michigan State upsets No. 1 Ohio State

On November 7, 1998, Nick Saban's Michigan State Spartans upset the No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 28–24 at Ohio Stadium.

November 1999: Named LSU Head Coach

In November 1999, LSU named Nick Saban as their 31st head football coach.

1999: Saban Resigns from Michigan State

In 1999, Nick Saban led the Michigan State Spartans to a 9–2 season. Following the final regular-season game, Saban abruptly resigned to accept the head coaching position with LSU.

2000: LSU wins Peach Bowl

In 2000, Nick Saban coached the LSU Tigers to an 8–4 record and a win in the Peach Bowl over Georgia Tech.

2001: LSU wins SEC Championship

In 2001, Nick Saban led LSU to a 10–3 record, including an SEC Championship and a Sugar Bowl victory.

2002: Inconsistent Season for LSU

In 2002, LSU had an inconsistent season that was marked by a loss to Virginia Tech and a mid-season injury to quarterback Matt Mauck. The Tigers finished 8-5 with a loss to Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

2002: LSU wins Sugar Bowl

In 2002, LSU won the Sugar Bowl against Illinois 47-34.

2003: LSU wins BCS National Championship

In 2003, Nick Saban coached the LSU Tigers to victory in the BCS National Championship.

2003: LSU wins SEC Championship Game

In 2003, Nick Saban's LSU Tigers had a successful season, winning the SEC Championship Game against the Georgia Bulldogs 34-13.

December 25, 2004: Saban Accepts Dolphins Coaching Position

On December 25, 2004, Nick Saban accepted the head coaching position for the Miami Dolphins.

2004: Saban Leaves LSU for Miami Dolphins

In 2004, Nick Saban left LSU to coach the Miami Dolphins after finishing the season 9-3 and losing to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Capital One Bowl.

2005: Dolphins Finish Season 9-7

In 2005, Nick Saban's first season with the Miami Dolphins, the team finished with a 9-7 record.

2005: Article Mentions Saban and Lou Saban as Distant Cousins

In 2005, an article referred to Nick Saban and Lou Saban as "distant cousins," with Lou commenting on Nick's success.

November 27, 2006: Alabama Fires Head Coach

On November 27, 2006, the University of Alabama announced the firing of head coach Mike Shula.

December 2006: Saban Denies Alabama Job Rumors

During December 2006, Nick Saban repeatedly denied rumors of taking the Alabama job, stating "I'm not going to be the Alabama coach."

2006: Dolphins Losing Season

In 2006, the Miami Dolphins finished with a 6-10 record, marking Nick Saban's first losing season as a head coach.

2006: Dolphins Pass on Drew Brees

In 2006, the Miami Dolphins, under Nick Saban, passed on signing quarterback Drew Brees, a decision Saban later said influenced his decision to leave the team.

January 1, 2007: Saban meets with Alabama Officials

On January 1, 2007, Nick Saban met with Alabama officials shortly after the Dolphins' season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

January 3, 2007: Acceptance of Alabama Head Coach Position

On January 3, 2007, Nick Saban accepted the offer to become the 27th head coach for Alabama after a meeting with Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga. The initial eight-year contract for US$32 million made him one of the highest-paid football coaches in the United States at the time.

January 4, 2007: Introduction as Alabama Head 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 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: Saban begins coaching at Alabama

In 2007, Nick Saban began his tenure as the head coach at the University of Alabama, a position he would hold until 2023.

2007: Loss Snapped 100-Game Win Streak Against Unranked Opponents Dating Back to 2007

In 2021, Alabama traveled to College Station, Texas, to play Texas A&M. The loss snapped a 100-game win streak against unranked opponents dating back to 2007.

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: Induction into Independence Hall of Honor

In 2008, Nick Saban was inducted into the Independence Hall of Honor.

2009: Mark Ingram II wins Heisman Trophy

In 2009, Mark Ingram II, playing for Alabama under Nick Saban, won the Heisman Trophy.

2009: Alabama wins BCS and AP National Championships

In 2009, Nick Saban led the Alabama Crimson Tide to both BCS and AP national championships.

2009: Cameo Appearance in The Blind Side

In 2009, Nick Saban made a cameo appearance as himself in the film "The Blind Side," improvising his lines based on a real conversation.

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2009: Lowest Preseason Ranking Since 2009

In his ninth season, Saban and Alabama began the year ranked No. 3 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll, marking the eighth straight year the Tide began the season in the top five. It was their lowest preseason ranking since 2009.

2009: Saban's Second Undefeated Season and First Since 2009

In the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship, Alabama defeated #3 Ohio State to win its 18th National Championship. It was Saban's second undefeated season and first since 2009.

2009: Undefeated Regular Season

In the Iron Bowl, Saban secured an undefeated regular season by defeating in-state rival #16 Auburn 30–12. Alabama finished its regular season 12–0 for the third time in Saban's career at Alabama and first since 2009.

August 2010: Release of Nick Saban: Gamechanger

In August 2010, the documentary "Nick Saban: Gamechanger" was released, featuring interviews from Bill Belichick and Alabama athletic director Mal Moore, among others.

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2010: First Time Since 2010

In 2019, In the Iron Bowl, Saban suffered his second loss of the season to rival #15 Auburn. It's the first time Saban has lost two games in the regular season since 2010 and didn't qualify for the College Football Playoff for the first time.

2010: First Meeting Since the 2010 BCS National Championship Game

In 2022, Alabama traveled to Austin, Texas, for the first time since 1922 to play Texas. In the first meeting since the 2010 BCS National Championship Game, Alabama overcame a late deficit to win 20-19.

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: Alabama wins BCS National Championship

In 2011, Nick Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to another BCS National Championship.

2012: Alabama wins BCS National Championship

In 2012, the Alabama Crimson Tide, under Nick Saban, secured another BCS National Championship.

2012: SEC Championship drought ends

In 2014, Alabama won his 5th SEC title (3rd with Alabama) defeating #14 Missouri 42–13. It was Alabama's 24th SEC championship and first since 2012.

2012: First Meeting Since 2012

In 2019, Alabama finished the regular season at 10–2 and ranked thirteenth in the final College Football Playoff rankings. They were selected to face Jim Harbaugh and Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, marking their first meeting since 2012. The Tide won 35–16.

2012: College Football Playoff National Championship Win

In the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, Alabama shut out Michigan State 38–0. The win marked Alabama's first appearance in a national championship game since the 2012 season. Alabama went on to defeat Clemson 45–40 to win the College Football Playoff National Championship. The victory marked Alabama's 16th national title and fourth in seven seasons. It was Saban's fifth national title and fourth at Alabama. The Tide finished the season at 14–1.

2012: First Shutout Over LSU Since 2012 BCS National Championship Game

In the Third Saturday in October, Alabama dominated #9 Tennessee to win its tenth in a row over the Vols. The win was also Alabama's sixth in a row over LSU and the first shutout over them since the 2012 BCS National Championship Game.

January 7, 2013: 2013 BCS National Championship Win

On January 7, 2013, Nick Saban's No. 2 Alabama faced #1 Notre Dame in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, defeating the Irish 42–14. The win gave Alabama their 15th national championship and their third championship in four years.

2013: Induction into Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

In 2013, Nick Saban was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

2013: First Meeting Since the 2013 BCS National Championship Game

In 2020, Alabama was selected as the #1 seed and played Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl. It was their first meeting since the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, with the Tide defeating the Irish 31-14.

2014: SEC Championship Win

In 2014, Alabama finished the regular season 11–1 for the fourth straight season and won the SEC West, marking Saban's fifth division title at Alabama. They won the SEC Championship against Missouri, securing Saban's 5th SEC title and Alabama's 24th SEC championship, their first since 2012. They were selected for the first College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed but lost to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. The Tide finished the season at 12–2.

2014: First Playoff Semifinal Loss Since 2014

In 2014, Michigan defeated Alabama 27–20 in overtime marking Saban's first playoff semifinal loss since 2014.

2014: First Meeting Since the 2014 Sugar Bowl

In 2018, In the first meeting since the 2014 Sugar Bowl, the Tide ended a three-game losing streak to Oklahoma, winning 45–34.

2015: Derrick Henry wins Heisman Trophy

In 2015, Derrick Henry, playing for Alabama under Nick Saban, was awarded the Heisman Trophy.

2015: Alabama wins College Football Playoff Championship

In 2015, Nick Saban coached Alabama to win the College Football Playoff championship.

2016: Alabama's Unclaimed National Championship

In 2016, Alabama had an unclaimed National Championship that was selected by Colley.

2016: Alabama Starts Season Ranked #1

In 2016, Alabama started Saban's tenth season ranked #1 in the AP and Coaches Poll. This was the ninth consecutive year Alabama was #1 at some point in the season. In their first meeting since the 1985 Aloha Bowl, Alabama dominated USC, 52–6, in the Advocare Classic at Arlington, Texas.

2017: Alabama wins College Football Playoff Championship

In 2017, Nick Saban again led Alabama to a College Football Playoff championship victory.

2018: Endorsed Joe Manchin for Senate

In 2018, Nick Saban endorsed Joe Manchin for Senate. Saban and Manchin grew up together in West Virginia.

2019: Saban Speaks About Relationship with Belichick

In 2019, Nick Saban spoke about his relationship with Bill Belichick, expressing his love and respect for Belichick's success.

October 14, 2020: Saban Tests Positive for COVID-19

On October 14, 2020, Saban tested positive for COVID-19, along with the university athletic director, Greg Byrne. That Saturday, Saban tested negative and was able to coach Alabama in a top 3 matchup against #3 Georgia.

2020: Alabama wins College Football Playoff Championship

In 2020, Alabama, coached by Nick Saban, won another College Football Playoff championship.

2020: DeVonta Smith wins Heisman Trophy

In 2020, DeVonta Smith, playing for Alabama under Nick Saban, won the Heisman Trophy.

2020: First Meeting Since 2020 Citrus Bowl

In 2020, Michigan defeated Alabama 27-20 in overtime in their first meeting since the 2020 Citrus Bowl.

January 5, 2021: DeVonta Smith Wins Heisman Trophy

June 7, 2021: Saban Agrees to Contract Extension

On June 7, 2021, Saban agreed to a contract extension with Alabama. The deal runs through the 2028 season.

2021: Bryce Young wins Heisman Trophy

In 2021, Bryce Young, playing for Alabama under Nick Saban, won the Heisman Trophy.

2022: Co-signed Letter Supporting Freedom to Vote Act

In 2022, Nick Saban co-signed a letter directed at Senator Joe Manchin, voicing support for the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act.

2022: Tide Have Been #1 At Some Point Of The Year

In his 16th season, Alabama started the year ranked #1 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll. 2022 marked the 15th consecutive season the Tide have been #1 at some point of the year.

2023: End of Saban's Alabama Coaching Tenure

In 2023, Nick Saban concluded his time as the head coach at the University of Alabama.

2023: Purchase of Beach House in Jupiter, Florida

In 2023, Nick Saban purchased a beach house in Jupiter, Florida.

2023: Weekly Guest on The Pat McAfee Show

Since 2023, Nick Saban has appeared as a weekly guest on The Pat McAfee Show during the college football season.

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January 10, 2024: Saban Announces Retirement

On January 10, 2024, Nick Saban announced his retirement from coaching, finishing his career at Alabama with a record of 201–29.

February 7, 2024: Hired by ESPN as an Analyst

On February 7, 2024, Nick Saban was hired by ESPN as an analyst for College GameDay, beginning with the 2024 college football season. He would also contribute to its NFL Draft and SEC Media Days coverage.

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June 2024: Advisory Role for Alabama's Athletics Program

In June 2024, it was reported that Nick Saban currently 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 Dedication

In 2024, the University of Alabama named the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium after Nick Saban. On September 7, the field officially became known as Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium at a dedication.