Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nick Saban
How Nick Saban built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1977: Assistant Coach at Syracuse
In 1977, Nick Saban served as an assistant coach at Syracuse University.
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.
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: 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: 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.
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.
1987: Assistant Coach at Michigan State
In 1987, Nick Saban concluded his time as an assistant coach at Michigan State University.
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.
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.
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 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: 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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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: 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 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: 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.
2020: Alabama wins College Football Playoff Championship
In 2020, Alabama, coached by Nick Saban, won another College Football Playoff championship.
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. Alabama became the second program to have three players finish in the top five in Heisman voting, joining Army's 1946 team.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2028: Contract Extension Runs Through 2028 Season
On June 7, 2021, Saban agreed to a contract extension with Alabama. The deal runs through the 2028 season.
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