Nick Saban facts for kids
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Saban at the White House in April 2018
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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Nicholas Lou Saban Jr. (/ˈseɪbən/ SAY-bən; born October 31, 1951) is an American sportscaster and a former college football coach. He is known as one of the greatest football coaches ever. Saban coached the National Football League (NFL)'s Miami Dolphins and four college teams. These were the University of Toledo, Michigan State University, Louisiana State University (LSU), and the University of Alabama. He coached Alabama from 2007 to 2023. During his time there, 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 championship was with the LSU Tigers in 2003. He then led the Alabama Crimson Tide to 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. Saban and Bear Bryant are the only coaches to win an SEC championship at two different schools. Saban's college coaching record is 292 wins, 71 losses, and 1 tie.
In 2013, Saban was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He coached four Heisman Trophy winners at Alabama. These players were Mark Ingram II (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), DeVonta Smith (2020), and Bryce Young (2021). In 2025, Saban will join the College Football Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Education
Nick Saban was born in Fairmont, West Virginia. His parents, Mary and Nick Lou Saban Sr., owned a small 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, was born in Croatia in 1895 and moved to the U.S. in 1908.
Saban played quarterback on his high school team. They won the West Virginia state championship in 1968. He later played defensive back for Kent State University. He graduated from Kent State in 1973 with a business degree. In 1975, he earned his master's degree in sports administration from Kent State.
Coaching Career Highlights
Starting Out as a Coach
Nick Saban didn't plan to be a coach at first. But his college coach, Don James, hired him as a graduate assistant at Kent State. After that, Saban worked as an assistant coach at several universities. These included Syracuse, West Virginia, Ohio State, Navy, and Michigan State.
In 1988, Saban became an assistant coach for the Houston Oilers in the National Football League.
Toledo Rockets (1990)
Saban became a head coach for the first time at the University of Toledo in 1989. In 1990, his Rockets team had a great season. They finished with a 9–2 record and were co-champions of the Mid-American Conference.
Cleveland Browns (1991–1994)
After one season at Toledo, Saban became the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He worked under head coach Bill Belichick. Saban helped lead the Browns' defense to be the best in the NFL in points allowed in 1994.
Michigan State Spartans (1995–1999)
Saban became the head coach of Michigan State in 1995. The team had not had a winning season in a few years. Saban slowly improved the team. They went to bowl games in his first three seasons.
In 1998, his team upset the No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. In 1999, Saban led the Spartans to a 9–2 season. They beat Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. After this successful season, Saban left to coach at LSU.
LSU Tigers (2000–2004)
In 1999, LSU hired Nick Saban as their head coach. In 2000, his team went 8–4 and won the Peach Bowl. In 2001, LSU had a 10–3 record. They won the SEC Championship and the Sugar Bowl. This was LSU's first SEC championship since 1986.
The 2003 season was a huge success for LSU. The Tigers finished with a 13–1 record. They won the SEC Championship and then beat the Oklahoma Sooners 21–14 in the Sugar Bowl. This win gave LSU the BCS national championship. It was a new record for wins in a single season for LSU. After the 2004 season, Saban left LSU to coach in the NFL.
Miami Dolphins (2005–2006)
Saban became the head coach for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL in 2004. In his first season (2005), the Dolphins finished with a 9–7 record. They just missed the playoffs.
The 2006 season was not as good. The Dolphins finished 6–10. Saban later said that a decision the team made about a quarterback made him realize he would leave the team. After the 2006 season, Saban decided to return to college football.
Alabama Crimson Tide (2007–2023)
On January 3, 2007, Nick Saban became the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. His first contract was for eight years and was worth $32 million. This made him one of the highest-paid football coaches at the time.
Saban quickly turned Alabama into a powerhouse.
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- 2008 Season: In his second year, Saban led Alabama to a perfect 12–0 regular season. They won the SEC Western Division title.
- 2009 Season: Alabama had a perfect 14–0 season. They defeated the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship. Then, they beat the Texas Longhorns 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."
- 2011 Season: Alabama finished 12–1. They played their rival LSU in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game. Alabama won 21–0 with a strong defense. This was Saban's third BCS Championship and second with Alabama.
- 2012 Season: Alabama had another fantastic year, finishing 13–1. They won the SEC Championship by beating Georgia. Then, they faced Notre Dame in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. Alabama won 42–14, earning their third national championship in four years.
- 2013 Season: Alabama finished 11–2. They had a tough loss in the Iron Bowl against Auburn on a last-second play. This kept them from playing for another national title.
- 2014 Season: The Tide finished 12–2. They won the SEC Championship again. They were the No. 1 seed in the first-ever College Football Playoff. However, they lost to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl semifinal.
- 2015 Season: Alabama went 14–1. Running back Derrick Henry won the Heisman Trophy. Alabama shut out Michigan State in the playoff semifinal. They then defeated unbeaten Clemson 45–40 to win the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship. This was Saban's fifth national title.
- 2016 Season: Alabama had another 14–1 season. They won their third straight SEC Championship. They made it to the College Football Playoff National Championship again. However, they lost a close game to Clemson 35–31.
- 2017 Season: Alabama finished 13–1. They were selected for the College Football Playoff despite not winning their division. They beat Clemson in the Sugar Bowl semifinal. Then, in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, they beat Georgia 26–23 in overtime. This was Saban's sixth national championship, tying him with Bear Bryant.
- 2018 Season: Alabama went 14–1. They won their seventh straight division title and another SEC Championship. They reached the National Championship game for the fourth year in a row. However, they lost to Clemson 44–16.
- 2019 Season: Alabama finished 11–2. For the first time, they did not qualify for the College Football Playoff. They won the 2020 Citrus Bowl.
- 2020 Season: Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alabama had a perfect 13–0 season. They won the SEC Championship. DeVonta Smith became Saban's third Heisman Trophy winner. Alabama defeated Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl semifinal. Then, they beat Ohio State 52–24 to win their 18th National Championship. This was Saban's seventh overall national title, making him the coach with the most titles ever.
- 2021 Season: Alabama finished 13–2. Bryce Young became Saban's fourth Heisman Trophy winner. Alabama won the SEC Championship against Georgia. They made it to the CFP National Championship but lost to Georgia.
- 2022 Season: Alabama went 11–2. They won the Sugar Bowl. This was Saban's fifteenth consecutive season with ten or more wins, a new NCAA record.
- 2023 Season: In his final season, Alabama finished 12–2. They won the SEC Western Division title and the SEC Championship, snapping Georgia's 29-game win streak. They were selected for the College Football Playoff but lost to Michigan in the Rose Bowl semifinal.
On January 10, 2024, Nick Saban announced his retirement from coaching. He finished his career at Alabama with an amazing record of 201 wins and 29 losses. In 2024, the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium was named Saban Field in his honor. He now works as an advisor for Alabama's sports programs.
Record Against Conference Teams
As a head coach, Saban had a strong record of 161 wins and 33 losses in SEC Conference games.
Here are his records against each team:
- Alabama: 4–1
- Arkansas: 20–2
- Auburn: 14–8
- Florida:10–4
- Georgia: 10–3
- Kentucky: 9–0
- LSU: 13–6
- Mississippi State: 21–1
- Missouri: 4–0
- Ole Miss: 19–3
- South Carolina: 4–1
- Tennessee: 18–2
- Texas A&M: 10–2
- Vanderbilt: 5–0
Broadcasting Career
During the 2023 college football season, Saban appeared on The Pat McAfee Show.
In February 2024, Saban joined ESPN as an analyst for College GameDay. This is a popular TV show about college football. He also helps with ESPN's NFL Draft and SEC Media Days coverage.
Personal Life
Nick Saban is a devoted Catholic. He made sure that Catholic players could attend Mass before each game. The Sabans go to St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in Tuscaloosa.
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. In its first three years at Alabama, Nick's Kids raised over $1 million.
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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.
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 History
Saban learned from coach Don James at Kent State. He also worked with Bill Belichick, who is another famous football coach. Saban and Belichick are good friends.
Many coaches who worked under Nick Saban have gone on to become head coaches themselves. Some of these include:
- Mark Dantonio (Michigan State)
- Jimbo Fisher (Florida State, Texas A&M)
- Lane Kiffin (FAU, Ole Miss)
- Kirby Smart (Georgia)
- Steve Sarkisian (Texas)
- Dan Lanning (Oregon)
Head Coaching Record
College
| 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
| 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 | ||||||
