History of Nick Saban in Timeline
Nick Saban is a highly decorated American football coach, now a sportscaster for ESPN. He's widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches ever, leading the University of Alabama to six national championships (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020) in nine title game appearances. Previously, he coached the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and at the University of Toledo, Michigan State University and Louisiana State University (LSU). His tenure at Alabama (2007-2023) was marked by unparalleled success, solidifying his legacy in college football.
17 hours ago : Saban Return Rumors, Browns' QB Plans, and Sanders/Manning Impact Discussed.
Speculation surrounds Nick Saban's potential return. Cleveland Browns' QB plans might negatively affect Shedeur Sanders, while owner is reportedly eyeing Arch Manning. Colin Cowherd hinted at Saban returning.
1908: Stanko Saban Emigrates to the US
In 1908, Stanko Saban, Nick Saban's paternal grandfather, emigrated from Gospić, Croatia, to Portland, Oregon, at the age of 13.
1922: Alabama traveled to Austin, Texas, for the first time since 1922
In 2022, Alabama traveled to Austin, Texas, for the first time since 1922 to play Texas.
1936: Inception of the AP Poll
In 1936, the Associated Press (AP) Poll was established. Nick Saban later became the first coach to win a national championship with two different Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools since the AP Poll's inception.
1946: Second program to have three players finish in the top five in Heisman voting, joining Army's 1946 team
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 from 1946.
October 31, 1951: Nick Saban's Birth
On October 31, 1951, Nicholas Lou Saban Jr. was born. He later became a prominent figure in American football as a coach and sportscaster.
1958: Previous National Championship Team
In 2003, LSU broke the record of 11 wins set by the 1958 National Championship team.
1965: Most Wins for the Spartans since 1965
In 1999, Michigan State reached their most wins in a season since 1965.
1966: Highest Ranking Since 1966
In 1999, Michigan State reached their highest ranking since the 1966 team.
1968: State Championship Win
In 1968, Nick Saban played quarterback on the West Virginia state championship team.
1968: First Sugar Bowl Win Since 1968
In 2001, LSU's Sugar Bowl victory was the first time the Tigers had won the Sugar Bowl since 1968.
May 4, 1970: Avoidance of Kent State Shootings
On May 4, 1970, Nick Saban and his roommate avoided being present at the Kent State shootings because they went to lunch before heading to the rally area.
December 18, 1971: Marriage to Terry Constable
On December 18, 1971, Nick Saban married Terry Constable, who was also from West Virginia.
1971: Tying the record for consecutive wins over Tennessee
In 2017, the Tide defeated Tennessee for the 11th consecutive year, tying the record set back from 1971 to 1981.
1972: Joining Kent State Coaching Staff
In 1972, after finishing his degree at Kent State, Nick Saban joined the Kent State coaching staff as a graduate assistant, influenced 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 and Father's Death
In 1975, Nick Saban earned his master's degree in sports administration from Kent State. During his first year of graduate school, Saban's father passed away.
1977: Assistant Coach at Syracuse
In 1977, Nick Saban served as an assistant coach at Syracuse.
1977: First time winning three straight SEC titles since 1977-1979
In 2016, Alabama's third straight conference championship was the first time it had won three straight SEC titles since 1977-1979.
1978: Assistant Coach at West Virginia
From 1978 to 1979, Nick Saban was an assistant coach at West Virginia.
1979: Assistant Coach at West Virginia
From 1978 to 1979, Nick Saban was an assistant coach at West Virginia.
1979: First time winning three straight SEC titles since 1977-1979
In 2016, Alabama's third straight conference championship was the first time it had won three straight SEC titles since 1977-1979.
1979: Most points in a game since 1979
In 2017, Alabama manhandled Ole Miss 66–3, which was the most points in a game since 1979.
1980: Assistant Coach at Ohio State
From 1980 to 1981, Nick Saban worked as an assistant coach at Ohio State.
1980: First time since 1980 that Tide shutout a conference opponent consecutively
In 1980, Alabama had its first consecutive shutout of a conference opponent since 1980.
1981: Assistant Coach at Ohio State
From 1980 to 1981, Nick Saban worked as an assistant coach at Ohio State.
1981: Tying the record for consecutive wins over Tennessee
In 2017, the Tide defeated Tennessee for the 11th consecutive year, tying the record set back from 1971 to 1981.
1982: Befriending Bill Belichick
In 1982, Nick Saban and Bill Belichick became friends, marking the beginning of their long-lasting relationship.
1982: Assistant Coach at Navy
In 1982, Nick Saban served as an assistant coach at Navy.
1982: Working with Steve Belichick at Navy
In 1982, while on staff at Navy, Nick Saban worked alongside Steve Belichick, marking an early connection within the Belichick coaching lineage.
1983: Assistant Coach at Michigan State
From 1983 to 1987, Nick Saban served as an assistant coach at Michigan State.
1985: First Meeting Since the 1985 Aloha Bowl
In 2016, Alabama's game against USC marked their first meeting since the 1985 Aloha Bowl, where details of the original game aren't mentioned.
1986: First Outright SEC Championship Since 1986
In 2001, LSU's SEC Championship was the first outright championship for LSU since 1986.
1986: First meeting with the Huskies since the 1986 Sun Bowl
In 2016, Alabama's Peach Bowl matchup with the Washington Huskies was the first meeting between the two teams since the 1986 Sun Bowl.
1987: Assistant Coach at Michigan State
From 1983 to 1987, Nick Saban served as an assistant coach at Michigan State.
1988: Toledo's Previous Seasons
In 1988, before Nick Saban's arrival, the Toledo Rockets had a 6-5 season.
December 22, 1989: Hired as Head Coach at University of Toledo
On December 22, 1989, Nick Saban was hired as the head coach at the University of Toledo, marking the beginning of his head coaching career.
1990: Michigan State's Last Winning Season Before Saban
Before Nick Saban became head coach in 1995, Michigan State hadn't had a winning season since 1990.
1990: Toledo Co-Champion of Mid-American Conference
In 1990, under Nick Saban, the Toledo Rockets achieved a 9–2 season and became co-champions of the Mid-American Conference.
1990: Third Straight Win over Auburn
In 2016, Saban secured an undefeated regular season by defeating in-state rival #16 Auburn 30-12, marking Alabama's third straight win over the Tigers, which was the first time since the period from 1990-1992 that they had achieved such a streak.
1990: First meeting between the schools since 1990
In the 2021 College Football Playoff, Alabama was chosen as the #1 seed and played the #4 seed Cincinnati in the first meeting between the schools since 1990.
1992: First Three-Peat Since the SEC Championship Game was Added in 1992
In 2016, Alabama won its third straight conference championship, marking the first time it had won three straight SEC titles since 1977–1979, and its first three-peat since the SEC Championship Game was added in 1992.
1994: Defensive Coordinator for Cleveland Browns
In 1994, Nick Saban was the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, leading the NFL's best defensive unit in points allowed. Saban later described these four years as the "worst of my life".
1995: Head Coach of Michigan State
In 1995, Nick Saban became the head coach of Michigan State, taking over a team that hadn't had a winning season since 1990 and was under NCAA sanctions.
1995: Michigan State finished 6-5-1
In 1995, Nick Saban's first season as head coach, Michigan State finished with a record of 6-5-1.
1997: Michigan State finished 7-5
In 1997, Michigan State finished with a record of 7-5.
November 1999: Named Head Coach at LSU
In November 1999, Nick Saban was named as the 31st head football coach at LSU.
2000: 8-4 Season and Peach Bowl Win
In 2000, Nick Saban led the LSU Tigers to an 8-4 season, which included a Peach Bowl victory over Georgia Tech.
2001: SEC Championship and Sugar Bowl Victory
In 2001, Nick Saban led LSU to a 10-3 record, winning the SEC Championship and the Sugar Bowl.
2002: Sugar Bowl victory over Illinois
In 2002, LSU had a Sugar Bowl victory over Illinois.
2002: Mixed Results and Cotton Bowl Loss
In 2002, LSU had a season with mixed results, including a loss in the Cotton Bowl Classic to Texas and finishing with an 8-5 record.
2003: BCS National Championship Win
In 2003, Nick Saban led the LSU Tigers to win the BCS National Championship against the Oklahoma Sooners, finishing the season with a 13-1 record.
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.
2004: Final Season at LSU and Departure to Miami Dolphins
In 2004, Nick Saban finished the season with LSU at 9-3, after losing to Iowa in the Capital One Bowl, and then left to coach the Miami Dolphins.
2005: Comments on Lou Saban
In 2005, Lou Saban, commented on the younger Nick Saban's success, where they were called "distant cousins".
2005: First Season with the Miami Dolphins
In 2005, Nick Saban's first season with the Miami Dolphins resulted in a 9-7 record, narrowly missing the playoffs after winning their final six games.
November 27, 2006: Alabama Announces Firing of Head Coach
On November 27, 2006, the University of Alabama announced the firing of head coach Mike Shula, fueling rumors of Nick Saban being a potential replacement.
December 2006: Repeated Denials of Taking Alabama Job
Throughout December 2006, Nick Saban repeatedly denied rumors of taking the Alabama job in press conferences, stating he would not be the Alabama coach.
2006: Unsuccessful Season with the Miami Dolphins
In 2006, Nick Saban had an unsuccessful season with the Miami Dolphins, finishing 6-10, his first losing season as a head coach. The Dolphins passed on quarterback Drew Brees, traded for Daunte Culpepper, and faced offensive struggles.
January 1, 2007: Meeting with Alabama Officials
On January 1, 2007, shortly after the Dolphins' season-ending loss, Nick Saban met with Alabama officials, despite previous denials of taking the job.
January 3, 2007: Saban Accepts Alabama Head Coach Offer
On January 3, 2007, Nick Saban accepted the offer to become the 27th head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, signing an eight-year contract worth US$32 million, making him one of the highest-paid football coaches in the United States at the time.
January 4, 2007: Saban Introduced 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: Crimson Tide Season Opener Win
On September 1, 2007, Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide opened the season with a 52–6 victory over the Western Carolina Catamounts.
2007: Began Coaching at Alabama
In 2007, Nick Saban started his tenure as head coach at the University of Alabama, a position he held until 2023.
September 1, 2008: Featured on Forbes Magazine Cover
On September 1, 2008, Nick Saban appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine as "The Most Powerful Coach in Sports."
2009: Saban's Second Bowl Loss at Alabama
In 2009, Alabama lost to Utah in the Sugar Bowl. This was Saban's second bowl loss at Alabama.
2009: Mark Ingram II wins Heisman Trophy
In 2009, Mark Ingram II won the Heisman Trophy while playing for Alabama under coach Nick Saban.
2009: Alabama's BCS National Championship
In 2009, Nick Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the BCS National Championship.
2009: Cameo in The Blind Side
In 2009, Nick Saban made a cameo appearance as himself in the film The Blind Side, where he was allowed to simply repeat a conversation instead of following the script.
2009: Lowest Preseason Ranking Since 2009
In 2015, 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, making it their lowest preseason ranking since 2009.
2009: First 12-0 Regular Season Since 2009
In 2016, Alabama finished its regular season 12-0 for the third time in Saban's career at Alabama and first since 2009, marking a significant milestone.
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, marking Saban's second undefeated season and first since 2009.
August 2010: "Nick Saban: Gamechanger" Documentary Release
In August 2010, the documentary "Nick Saban: Gamechanger," featuring interviews from figures like Bill Belichick and Mal Moore, was released.
2010: Preseason No. 1 Team
In 2010, Alabama was overwhelmingly chosen as the preseason No. 1 team in both the AP and Coaches Poll, marking the first time since 1978 that the Crimson Tide started the season ranked No. 1.
2010: BCS National Championship Win
In 2010, Nick Saban's Crimson Tide defeated the Texas Longhorns in the BCS National Championship Game to finish a perfect 14–0, giving Alabama their first National Championship since 1992.
2010: Ranked #1 in Preseason Polls
In 2010, Saban's Crimson Tide was ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches preseason polls, marking the first time since then that they achieved this ranking as of 2013.
2010: First time Saban lost two games in the regular season since 2010
In 2019, Saban suffered his second loss of the season to rival #15 Auburn, marking the first time since 2010 that Saban lost two games in the regular season.
April 16, 2011: Unveiling of Nick Saban 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: Victory in Capital One Bowl
In 2011, Alabama defeated #7 Michigan State 49–7 in the Capital One Bowl, marking the largest margin of victory in that bowl game's history and securing Alabama's third consecutive 10-win season.
2011: Alabama's AP National Championship
In 2011, Nick Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the AP National Championship.
2012: Alabama's AP National Championship
In 2012, Nick Saban led Alabama Crimson Tide to another AP National Championship.
2012: First SEC Championship since 2012
In 2014, Alabama won its first SEC Championship since 2012, securing the title against Missouri. This was Alabama's 24th SEC championship.
2012: First Appearance in a National Championship Game Since the 2012 Season
In 2015, Alabama defeated Michigan State in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, marking Alabama's first appearance in a national championship game since the 2012 season.
2012: First Shutout over LSU Since the 2012 BCS National Championship Game
In 2016, Alabama's win over LSU was the first shutout over them since the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, showing a defensive dominance in the current game and recalling a past victory.
January 7, 2013: BCS National Championship Win against Notre Dame
On January 7, 2013, Nick Saban's Alabama team defeated Notre Dame 42–14 in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, securing their 15th national championship and their third in four years, marking back-to-back national titles for the first time since 1978 and 1979.
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 35–10 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, and went on to defeat #6 Texas A&M, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Georgia State, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, #10 LSU, Mississippi State, and Chattanooga.
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 2021, Alabama was selected as the #1 seed and played the #4 seed Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl. This was the first meeting between the schools since the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.
2014: 2014 Season Highlights
In 2014, Alabama started the year ranked No. 2 in the preseason polls. They won against West Virginia, Florida Atlantic, Southern Miss, and Florida. They were voted No. 1 in the Coaches Poll after a bye week. They suffered their first loss to Ole Miss. They defeated Arkansas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, LSU, Mississippi State, and Western Carolina. They won the Iron Bowl against Auburn. They finished the regular season 11-1 and won the SEC West. They 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. The Tide finished the season at 12–2.
2014: Playoff Semifinal Loss
In 2014, Nick Saban experienced his first playoff semifinal loss since this year.
2015: Derrick Henry wins Heisman Trophy
In 2015, Derrick Henry won the Heisman Trophy while playing for Alabama under coach Nick Saban.
2015: Alabama's College Football Playoff Championship
In 2015, Nick Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff championship.
2016: 2016 Season Highlights
In 2016, Alabama started the season ranked #1. They defeated USC, Western Kentucky, Ole Miss, Kent State, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas A&M, LSU, Mississippi State, Chattanooga, and Auburn, securing an undefeated regular season. They won the SEC Championship against Florida. They made the College Football Playoff as the #1 seed and defeated Washington in the Peach Bowl. They lost to Clemson in the National Championship game. The Tide finished the season at 14–1.
2017: Alabama's College Football Playoff Championship
In 2017, Nick Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to another College Football Playoff championship.
2018: Endorsement of Joe Manchin
In 2018, Nick Saban endorsed Joe Manchin for Senate, highlighting their shared West Virginia roots.
2019: Saban's Comments on Belichick Relationship
In 2019, Nick Saban expressed his admiration and respect for Bill Belichick, emphasizing the unique and supportive nature of their relationship.
October 14, 2020: Saban tested positive for COVID-19
On October 14, 2020, Nick Saban, along with the university athletic director, Greg Byrne, tested positive for COVID-19.
2020: DeVonta Smith wins Heisman Trophy
In 2020, DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy while playing for Alabama under coach Nick Saban.
2020: Alabama's College Football Playoff Championship
In 2020, Nick Saban led the Alabama Crimson Tide to win another College Football Playoff championship.
January 5, 2021: DeVonta Smith became Saban's third Heisman Trophy winner
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 a contract extension with Alabama
On June 7, 2021, Saban agreed to a contract extension with Alabama that runs through the 2028 season.
2021: Bryce Young wins Heisman Trophy
In 2021, Bryce Young won the Heisman Trophy while playing for Alabama under coach Nick Saban.
2022: 2022 marked the 15th consecutive season the Tide have been #1 at some point of the year
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: Support for the Freedom to Vote Act
In 2022, Nick Saban co-signed a letter to Senator Joe Manchin in support of the Freedom to Vote Act, clarifying that he does not support removing the filibuster in the Senate.
2023: Appearance on The Pat McAfee Show
During the 2023 college football season, Nick Saban made weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show every Thursday.
2023: End of Coaching at Alabama
In 2023, Nick Saban concluded his coaching career at the University of Alabama.
January 10, 2024: Retirement Announcement
On January 10, 2024, Nick Saban officially announced his retirement from coaching, concluding his tenure at Alabama with an impressive record of 201–29.
February 7, 2024: Hired by ESPN
On February 7, 2024, Nick Saban was hired by ESPN as an analyst for College GameDay, starting with the 2024 college football season. He will also contribute to NFL Draft and SEC Media Days coverage.
June 2024: Advisory Role at Alabama
In June 2024, The Tuscaloosa News reported that Nick Saban is serving in an advisory role for Alabama's athletics program, receiving an annual salary of $500,000 and maintaining an office at Bryant–Denny Stadium.
2024: Saban Field Dedication
In 2024, the University of Alabama dedicated the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium as Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with the official dedication taking place on September 7.
2025: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame
In 2025, Nick Saban is scheduled to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach.
2028: Saban's contract extension runs through 2028
On June 7, 2021, Saban agreed to a contract extension with Alabama that runs through the 2028 season.
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