Nick Saban's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Nick Saban. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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 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 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.

2020: DeVonta Smith wins Heisman Trophy

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

2021: Bryce Young wins Heisman Trophy

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

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.

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.