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 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

1946: Alabama becomes the second program to have three players finish in the top five in Heisman voting, joining Army's 1946 team

In 2021, Alabama became the second program to have three players finish in the top five in Heisman voting, joining Army's 1946 team. DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy, Mac Jones finished third and Najee Harris finished fifth in voting.

1968: West Virginia Class A State Championship

In 1968, Nick Saban, as a quarterback, helped lead Monongah High School to the West Virginia Class A state championship during his senior year.

1968: First Sugar Bowl Win Since 1968

In 2001, LSU's Sugar Bowl win marked the first time the Tigers had won the Sugar Bowl since 1968.

1986: First Outright SEC Championship

In 2001, under Nick Saban, LSU won their first outright SEC championship since 1986.

1990: Toledo Rockets Co-Champion of Mid-American Conference

In 1990, under Nick Saban, the Toledo Rockets achieved a 9-2 season and became co-champion of the Mid-American Conference.

1994: Cleveland Browns Defensive Unit Best in NFL

In 1994, Nick Saban helped lead the Cleveland Browns' defensive unit, as defensive coordinator, to be the best in the NFL in points allowed.

November 7, 1998: Spartans Upset No. 1 Ranked 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.

2000: LSU Tigers Peach Bowl Victory

In 2000, Nick Saban's LSU Tigers achieved an 8-4 record and won the Peach Bowl against Georgia Tech.

2001: LSU Wins SEC Championship and Sugar Bowl

In 2001, Nick Saban led LSU to a 10-3 record, an SEC Championship win against Tennessee, and a Sugar Bowl victory over Illinois.

2002: LSU Wins Sugar Bowl

In 2002, LSU won the Sugar Bowl after the 2001 season, marking the first time the Tigers had won the Sugar Bowl since 1968.

2003: LSU Wins BCS National Championship

In 2003, Nick Saban led the LSU Tigers to a 13-1 record, winning the SEC Championship and the BCS National Championship against Oklahoma Sooners in the Sugar Bowl.

September 1, 2007: Season Opener Win

On September 1, 2007, Nick Saban's Alabama 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: Coach of the Year Awards

In 2008, Nick Saban received several Coach of the Year awards for his efforts during the season.

2009: Mark Ingram II wins Heisman Trophy

In 2009, Mark Ingram II became one of the four Heisman Trophy winners coached by Nick Saban at Alabama.

2009: Alabama Crimson Tide win BCS National Championship

In 2009, Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to a BCS National Championship, adding to his list of national titles.

2009: SEC Championship Win and On-Campus Celebration

In 2009, the Crimson Tide defeated the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship, representing Alabama's 22nd SEC title and its first since 1999. At the on-campus celebration, Saban famously stated "I want everybody here to know, this is not the end. This is the beginning."

2009: Saban's first undefeated season since 2009

In 2020, Alabama finished the season 13-0, marking Saban's first undefeated season since 2009.

2010: BCS National Championship Win

In 2010, Saban's Crimson Tide defeated the Texas Longhorns in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game to finish a perfect 14–0, giving Alabama their first National Championship since 1992.

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: Capital One Bowl Victory

In 2011, Alabama defeated #7 Michigan State 49-7 in the Capital One Bowl, securing Alabama's third consecutive 10-win season.

2011: Alabama Crimson Tide win AP National Championship

In 2011, Nick Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to an AP National Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a top coach.

2012: SEC Championship Win and BCS Bowl Game Spot

In 2012, Alabama overcame a late drive by #3 Georgia to win the SEC Championship. The win also clinched a spot in a BCS bowl game for the fourth time in five years.

2012: Alabama Crimson Tide win AP National Championship

In 2012, Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to another AP National Championship, marking another significant achievement in his career.

January 7, 2013: BCS National Championship Win Against Notre Dame

On January 7, 2013, Alabama defeated Notre Dame 42-14 in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, securing their 15th national championship and their third championship in four years.

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 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game and went on to defeat Texas A&M, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Georgia State, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee, maintaining an undefeated record through most of the season.

2013: Induction into Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

In 2013, Nick Saban was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to sports in Alabama.

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.

2015: Derrick Henry wins Heisman Trophy

In 2015, Derrick Henry became one of the four Heisman Trophy winners coached by Nick Saban at Alabama.

2015: Alabama Crimson Tide win College Football Playoff Championship

In 2015, Nick Saban led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff championship, adding another national title to his coaching record.

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.

2017: Alabama Crimson Tide win College Football Playoff Championship

In 2017, Saban coached the Alabama Crimson Tide to another College Football Playoff championship, continuing his success in college football.

2020: Devonta Smith wins Heisman Trophy

In 2020, Devonta Smith became one of the four Heisman Trophy winners coached by Nick Saban at Alabama.

2020: Alabama Crimson Tide win College Football Playoff Championship

In 2020, Nick Saban secured another College Football Playoff championship with the Alabama Crimson Tide, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest coaches.

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.

2021: Bryce Young wins Heisman Trophy

In 2021, Bryce Young became one of the four Heisman Trophy winners coached by Nick Saban at Alabama.

2024: Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium

In 2024, the University of Alabama named the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium after Saban, officially becoming known as Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 7.

2025: Induction into Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame

In 2025, Nick Saban is set to be inducted into both the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements and legacy in football.