Nick Saban facts for kids
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Saban at the White House in 2018
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| Biographical details | |
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| Born | October 31, 1951 Fairmont, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1970–1972 | Kent State |
| Position(s) | Defensive back |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1973–1974 | Kent State (GA) |
| 1975–1976 | Kent State (LB) |
| 1977 | Syracuse (OLB) |
| 1978–1979 | West Virginia (DB) |
| 1980–1981 | Ohio State (DB) |
| 1982 | Navy (DB) |
| 1983–1987 | Michigan State (DC/DB) |
| 1988–1989 | Houston Oilers (DB) |
| 1990 | Toledo |
| 1991–1994 | Cleveland Browns (DC) |
| 1995–1999 | Michigan State |
| 2000–2004 | LSU |
| 2005–2006 | Miami Dolphins |
| 2007–2023 | Alabama |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 292–71–1 (college) 15–17 (NFL) |
| Bowls | 19–12 |
| Tournaments | 9–5 (CFP) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
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| Awards | |
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| College Football Hall of Fame Inducted in 2025 (profile) |
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Nicholas Lou Saban Jr. (born October 31, 1951) is a famous American sportscaster and former football coach. He is known as one of the greatest football coaches ever. Saban coached for the National Football League (NFL)'s Miami Dolphins and four universities. These universities were the University of Toledo, Michigan State University, Louisiana State University (LSU), and most famously, the University of Alabama. He coached Alabama from 2007 to 2023. During this time, he led the team to six national championships.
As a college football head coach, Saban won seven national titles. This is the most in college football history. His first national title was with the LSU Tigers in 2003. He then led the Alabama Crimson Tide to national championships in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020. He was the first coach to win a national championship with two different major college teams since 1936. Saban and Bear Bryant are the only coaches to win a championship in the SEC with two different schools. Saban's college coaching record is 292 wins, 71 losses, and 1 tie.
In 2013, Saban was added to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He coached four players at Alabama who won the Heisman Trophy. These players were Mark Ingram II (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), DeVonta Smith (2020), and Bryce Young (2021). In 2025, Saban will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach.
Early Life and Education
Nick Saban was born in Fairmont, West Virginia. His parents, Mary and Nick Lou Saban Sr., owned a service station. His father also started and coached a youth football team. Nick grew up with his sister, Dianna. He graduated from Monongah High School in Monongah, West Virginia. His family has Croatian roots. His grandfather, Stanko Saban, came to America from Croatia in 1908.
Saban played quarterback on his high school team. They won the West Virginia state championship in 1968. One of his teammates, Kerry Marbury, later played in the Canadian Football League.
On December 18, 1971, Saban married Terry Constable. He graduated from Kent State University in 1973 with a business degree. He played defensive back for Kent State under coach Don James. Saban and his roommate avoided the Kent State shootings in 1970 because they decided to eat lunch before going to the rally.
In 1975, Saban earned his master's degree in sports administration from Kent State. His father passed away during his first year of graduate school.
Coaching Journey
Starting as a Coach
Nick Saban didn't plan to become a coach at first. But Don James hired him as a graduate assistant at Kent State. Saban later worked as an assistant coach at several universities. These included Syracuse (1977), West Virginia (1978–1979), Ohio State (1980–1981), Navy (1982), and Michigan State (1983–1987).
After the 1987 season, Kent State chose another coach over Saban. He then became an assistant coach for the Houston Oilers in the National Football League.
Toledo Rockets Head Coach
Saban became a head coach for the first time at the University of Toledo in December 1989. The Rockets had a great season under him in 1990. They finished with a 9–2 record and shared the championship of the Mid-American Conference. Their two losses were very close games.
Cleveland Browns Assistant
In February 1991, Saban left Toledo after just one season. He became the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He worked under head coach Bill Belichick for four seasons. Saban helped the Browns' defense become the best in the NFL in 1994. Saban later said these four years were very challenging.
Michigan State Spartans Head Coach
Saban became the head coach of Michigan State before the 1995 season. The team had not had a winning season since 1990.
From 1995 to 1997, Saban improved Michigan State's record. He led them to bowl games in his first three seasons. Their records were 6–5–1, 6–6, and 7–5.
In 1998, the Spartans upset the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Even with this big win, they finished 6–6 and did not go to a bowl game.
In 1999, Saban led the Spartans to a 9–2 season. They had important wins over Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. After the season, Saban suddenly left to become the head coach at LSU. His assistant, Bobby Williams, coached the Spartans to a bowl victory. This gave Michigan State a 10–2 record for the 1999 season. It was their best record since 1965.
LSU Tigers Head Coach
In November 1999, Nick Saban became LSU's head football coach. In 2000, the Tigers went 8–4 and won the Peach Bowl.
In 2001, Saban led LSU to a 10–3 record. They won the SEC Championship and the Sugar Bowl. It was LSU's first outright SEC championship since 1986.
The 2002 season started with high hopes, but LSU lost their first game. They finished 8–5 after some injuries and close losses.
The 2003 season was a huge success for LSU. They won 13 games and lost only one. They defeated Oklahoma 21–14 in the Sugar Bowl. This win gave LSU the national championship. The 13 wins set a new school record.
In 2004, LSU finished 9–3. After this season, Saban left LSU to coach in the NFL.
Miami Dolphins Head Coach
Saban became the head coach for the Miami Dolphins on December 25, 2004. In his first season (2005), the Dolphins started slowly but won their last six games. They finished with a 9–7 record and just missed the playoffs.
The 2006 season was not as successful. The Dolphins finished 6–10, which was Saban's first losing season as a head coach. He later said that the team's decision not to sign quarterback Drew Brees was a key moment for him. Saban met with officials from the University of Alabama in January 2007.
Alabama Crimson Tide Head Coach
On January 3, 2007, Saban announced he would become Alabama's head coach. His contract made him one of the highest-paid coaches at the time.
On September 1, 2007, his Crimson Tide won their first game 52–6. Alabama finished his first season with a 7–6 record.
Building a Dynasty (2008-2012)
In his second year (2008), Saban led Alabama to a perfect 12–0 regular season. This was Alabama's first undefeated regular season since 1994. They reached the SEC Championship Game but lost to Florida. They finished the season 12–2.
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The 2009 season was historic. Alabama went undefeated with a 14–0 record. They beat Florida in the SEC Championship. Then, they defeated Texas 37–21 in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. This gave Alabama its first national championship since 1992. Saban famously said, "This is not the end. This is the beginning." A statue of Saban was later unveiled at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
In 2010, Alabama finished 10–3, winning the Capital One Bowl.
The 2011 season saw Alabama win another national championship. They finished 12–1. In a rare rematch, Alabama defeated LSU 21–0 in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game. This was Saban's third national title and second with Alabama.
In 2012, Alabama won its third national championship in four years. They finished 13–1 and defeated Notre Dame 42–14 in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. This was Saban's fourth national title overall.
Continued Success (2013-2019)
In 2013, Alabama started as the top-ranked team. They had a strong season but lost a dramatic game to Auburn on the final play. This loss kept them out of the SEC Championship and national title picture. They finished 11–2 after losing the Sugar Bowl.
In 2014, Alabama won the SEC Championship. They were the top seed in the first-ever College Football Playoff. They lost to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl semifinal, finishing 12–2.
In 2015, Alabama won another national championship. They finished 14–1. Running back Derrick Henry won the Heisman Trophy. Alabama defeated Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl semifinal. Then, they beat undefeated Clemson 45–40 in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship. This was Saban's fifth national title and fourth at Alabama.
In 2016, Alabama had another undefeated regular season (12–0). They won their third straight SEC Championship. They reached the national championship game again but lost a close game to Clemson 35–31. They finished 14–1.
In 2017, Alabama finished 13–1 and won another national championship. They were the first team to make the College Football Playoff without winning their conference. They defeated Clemson in the Sugar Bowl semifinal. Then, they beat Georgia 26–23 in overtime in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. This was Saban's sixth national title, tying Bear Bryant for the most in the modern era.
In 2018, Alabama had another undefeated regular season (12–0). They won the SEC Championship. They reached the national championship game for the fourth year in a row. However, they lost to Clemson 44–16, finishing 14–1.
The 2019 season saw Alabama finish 11–2. They did not make the College Football Playoff for the first time. They won the Citrus Bowl against Michigan.
Final Years and Retirement (2020-2023)
In 2020, despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Alabama had a perfect 13–0 season. They won the SEC Championship. They defeated Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl semifinal. Then, they beat Ohio State 52–24 in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship. This win gave Saban his seventh national title, making him the coach with the most national championships ever. DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy this season.
In 2021, Alabama finished 13–2. They won the SEC Championship against Georgia. They made the College Football Playoff but lost to Georgia in the national championship game. Bryce Young won the Heisman Trophy this season.
In 2022, Alabama finished 11–2. They won the Sugar Bowl against Kansas State.
In his final season in 2023, Alabama finished 12–2. They won the SEC Championship, snapping Georgia's long winning streak. They made the College Football Playoff but lost to Michigan in the Rose Bowl semifinal. Saban announced his retirement from coaching on January 10, 2024. He finished his coaching career at Alabama with a record of 201 wins and 29 losses.
In 2024, the University of Alabama named the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium after Saban. It is now known as Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Saban also works as an advisor for Alabama's athletics program.
Broadcasting Career
During the 2023 college football season, Saban appeared on The Pat McAfee Show.
On February 7, 2024, Saban joined ESPN as an analyst for College GameDay. He also helps with ESPN's NFL Draft and SEC Media Days coverage.
Personal Life
Saban is a devoted Catholic. He made sure his Catholic players could attend Mass before each game. The Sabans go to St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in Tuscaloosa.
Saban and Bill Belichick are good friends. They have known each other since 1982. Saban has said he has great respect for Belichick.
Saban made a small appearance as himself in the 2009 movie The Blind Side. In 2010, a documentary called Nick Saban: Gamechanger was released about him.
Saban and his wife, Terry, have been married for over 50 years. They have two adopted children, Nicholas and Kristen. The Sabans started a foundation called Nick's Kids. This foundation helps children in need. It has raised over $1 million in its first three years at Alabama. Saban owns vacation homes and is a co-owner of luxury car dealerships.
Outside of football, Saban stays in touch with his former players. He acts as a mentor to them, even those who have moved on from football.
Coaching Connections
Nick Saban is part of the Don James coaching tree. This means he learned from Don James early in his career. He also worked with Bill Belichick as his defensive coordinator.
Many coaches who worked under Saban later became head coaches themselves. This is called a "coaching tree." Some notable coaches from Saban's tree include:
- Mark Dantonio (Michigan State)
- Jimbo Fisher (Florida State, Texas A&M)
- Jason Garrett (Dallas Cowboys)
- Jim McElwain (Colorado State, Florida)
- Dan Quinn (Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders)
- Adam Gase (Miami Dolphins, New York Jets)
- Kirby Smart (Georgia)
- Lane Kiffin (FAU, Ole Miss)
- Billy Napier (Louisiana, Florida)
- Mike Locksley (Maryland)
- Steve Sarkisian (Texas)
- Dan Lanning (Oregon)
- Brian Daboll (New York Giants)
Coaching Records
College Head Coaching Record
| Year | Team | Overall | Conference | Standing | Bowl/playoffs | Coaches# | AP° | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo Rockets (Mid-American Conference) (1990) | |||||||||
| 1990 | Toledo | 9–2 | 7–1 | T–1st | |||||
| Toledo: | 9–2 | 7–1 | |||||||
| Michigan State Spartans (Big Ten Conference) (1995–1999) | |||||||||
| 1995 | Michigan State | 6–5–1 | 4–3–1 | 5th | L Independence | ||||
| 1996 | Michigan State | 6–6 | 5–3 | 5th | L Sun | ||||
| 1997 | Michigan State | 7–5 | 4–4 | 6th | L Aloha | ||||
| 1998 | Michigan State | 6–6 | 4–4 | 6th | |||||
| 1999 | Michigan State | 9–2 | 6–2 | T–2nd | Florida Citrus | 9 | 9 | ||
| Michigan State: | 34–24–1 | 23–16–1 | |||||||
| LSU Tigers (Southeastern Conference) (2000–2004) | |||||||||
| 2000 | LSU | 8–4 | 5–3 | 2nd (Western) | W Peach | 22 | |||
| 2001 | LSU | 10–3 | 5–3 | T–1st (Western) | W Sugar† | 8 | 7 | ||
| 2002 | LSU | 8–5 | 5–3 | T–2nd (Western) | L Cotton | ||||
| 2003 | LSU | 13–1 | 7–1 | T–1st (Western) | W Sugar† | 1 | 2 | ||
| 2004 | LSU | 9–3 | 6–2 | 2nd (Western) | L Capital One | 16 | 16 | ||
| LSU: | 48–16 | 28–12 | |||||||
| Alabama Crimson Tide (Southeastern Conference) (2007–2023) | |||||||||
| 2007 | Alabama | 2–6 | 1–4 | T–3rd (Western) | W Independence | ||||
| 2008 | Alabama | 12–2 | 8–0 | 1st (Western) | L Sugar† | 6 | 6 | ||
| 2009 | Alabama | 14–0 | 8–0 | 1st (Western) | W BCS NCG† | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2010 | Alabama | 10–3 | 5–3 | 4th (Western) | W Capital One | 11 | 10 | ||
| 2011 | Alabama | 12–1 | 7–1 | 2nd (Western) | W BCS NCG† | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2012 | Alabama | 13–1 | 7–1 | 1st (Western) | W BCS NCG† | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2013 | Alabama | 11–2 | 7–1 | T–1st (Western) | L Sugar† | 8 | 7 | ||
| 2014 | Alabama | 12–2 | 7–1 | 1st (Western) | L Sugar† | 4 | 4 | ||
| 2015 | Alabama | 14–1 | 7–1 | 1st (Western) | W Cotton†, W CFP NCG† | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2016 | Alabama | 14–1 | 8–0 | 1st (Western) | W Peach†, L CFP NCG† | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2017 | Alabama | 13–1 | 7–1 | T–1st (Western) | W Sugar†, W CFP NCG† | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2018 | Alabama | 14–1 | 8–0 | 1st (Western) | W Orange†, L CFP NCG† | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2019 | Alabama | 11–2 | 6–2 | 2nd (Western) | W Citrus | 8 | 8 | ||
| 2020 | Alabama | 13–0 | 10–0 | 1st (Western) | W Rose†, W CFP NCG† | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2021 | Alabama | 13–2 | 7–1 | 1st (Western) | W Cotton†, L CFP NCG† | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2022 | Alabama | 11–2 | 6–2 | T–1st (Western) | W Sugar† | 5 | 5 | ||
| 2023 | Alabama | 12–2 | 8–0 | 1st (Western) | L Rose† | 5 | 5 | ||
| Alabama: | 201–29 | 117–18 | |||||||
| Total: | 292–71–1 | ||||||||
| National championship Conference title Conference division title or championship game berth | |||||||||
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NFL Head Coaching Record
| Team | Year | Regular season | Postseason | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won | Lost | Ties | Win % | Finish | Won | Lost | Win % | Result | ||
| MIA | 2005 | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 2nd in AFC East | – | – | – | – |
| MIA | 2006 | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 4th in AFC East | – | – | – | – |
| MIA Total | 15 | 17 | 0 | .469 | – | – | – | |||
| Total | 15 | 17 | 0 | .469 | ||||||
Images for kids
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Saban (left) alongside Lee Corso (center) and Kirk Herbstreit (right) during a College GameDay broadcast in 2024.
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Saban in 2010
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