All great things must come to an end. Today, the legendary head football coach of the University of Alabama, Nick Saban, announced his retirement. The 72-year-old coach finished his 17th season with the Crimson Tide.
Even though Alabama lost to Michigan in overtime of the Rose Bowl, it was arguably the best coaching performance of his career. His team was young with an inexperienced quarterback. They gradually got better each week and peaked at the right time. Alabama beat Georgia in the SEC Championship game, and Saban won his 11th SEC Title.
Saban won 7 National Championships throughout his coaching career and is the 5th all-time winningest college football coach with 292 wins. He is only behind Joe Paterno, Bobby Bowden, Paul “Bear” Bryant, and Pop Warner.
Outside of Alabama, Saban was a head college coach at LSU, Michigan State, and the University of Toledo. He was also the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in the NFL from 2005-2006.
Some will say Saban retired because of the new era of college football; the transfer portal, and Name Image and Likeness (NIL). This new era puts a tremendous amount of pressure on coaching staffs. Players are coming and going, and all expect to be paid. There is no time for rest, or someone will pass you up. Saban adjusted extremely well to the new changes and maintained his winning ways.
Ultimately, I believe he wants to spend more time with his wife and family. He is 72 and has accomplished everything possible as a head football coach. He is considered the greatest college football coach of all time. Now, he is ready to be with his family and start the next chapter of his life.
The 2024 football season will have many changes with conference realignments, a new 12-team playoff, and all the transfer portal moves. The biggest adjustment for many college football fans will be Nick Saban’s absence and his impact on college football.
