Challenges in the Life of Nick Saban in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Nick Saban faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

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.

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.

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.

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

In 2021, Alabama's loss to Texas A&M snapped a 100-game win streak against unranked opponents, a streak that dated back to 2007.

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.

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.

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: Sugar Bowl Loss and Season End

In 2014, Alabama lost to Oklahoma 45–31 in the Sugar Bowl, finishing the season at 11–2. This was Saban's second bowl loss at Alabama and first since the 2009 Sugar Bowl against Utah.

2014: First playoff semifinal loss since 2014

In 2014, Saban experienced his first playoff semifinal loss since then.

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.