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 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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1968: State Championship Win

In 1968, Nick Saban played quarterback on the West Virginia state championship team.

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.

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.

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.

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.

November 7, 1998: Upset of No. 1 Ranked Ohio State

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

1999: 9-2 Season and Resignation from Michigan State

In 1999, Nick Saban led the Michigan State Spartans to a 9-2 season, including wins over Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State, before abruptly resigning to accept the head coaching position with 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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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.

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: Induction into Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

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

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.

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.

2021: Bryce Young wins Heisman Trophy

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

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.