Deborah Walker
Jan 11, 2024 - 01:35

Nick Saban retiring Alabama breakdown seven overall national titles

Legendary coach Nick Saban announces retirement after 17-year run with Alabama, leaving a legacy of 6 national championships and 87% winning percentage.

After a 17-year run at Alabama, Nick Saban is retiring, leaving behind one of the most remarkable stretches for a coach in the history of college sports. Saban's record at Alabama is an impressive 206-29, giving him an 87% winning percentage. He is a seven-time national coach of the year and has won four titles in a seven-year stretch.

Saban's departure from Alabama comes after the Tide's loss in the 2024 semifinals, but he expressed immense pride in the growth of his team, even though they fell short of winning a championship. During his time at Alabama, Saban won six national championships in the 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020 seasons. He also led LSU to the title in the 2003 season.

One of Saban's most impressive titles was the 2003 LSU championship, where he led the Tigers to a 21-14 win over Oklahoma in the BCS title game. He then spent two mediocre seasons in the NFL before returning to college football in 2007 to take over at Alabama.

Saban's first championship at Alabama came in a 37-21 win over previously undefeated Texas in the Rose Bowl. The Tide dominated the Longhorns with a monster second quarter, finishing the season 14-0. His second title in Tuscaloosa was against his former team, LSU, in the BCS title game, where Alabama took a 15-0 lead on five consecutive field goals and won 21-0.

In the 2012 season, Saban led Alabama to a 42-14 victory over Notre Dame in the BCS title game. The win marked Alabama's third title in four years. In 2015, Alabama won a thrilling 45-40 game over Clemson in the second College Football Playoff championship, with Saban becoming just the second coach to win five national championships in the modern era.

Saban's most recent title came against Ohio State, where Alabama won 52-24, with Saban securing his sixth national championship at one school. In the game, Alabama quarterback Mac Jones completed 36-of-45 passes for 464 yards and five touchdowns, while Devonta Smith grabbed 12 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns.

Nick Saban's legacy at Alabama is one of unparalleled success and dominance in college football, leaving behind a remarkable record and an indelible mark on the sport.