Nick Saban releases statement on extension making him college football's highest paid coach

Nick Saban made headlines on Tuesday when he signed a monster contract extension with Alabama to become the highest-paid coach in college football. After the announcement, he released a statement expressing his gratitude.

Saban, 70, agreed to an extension through the 2029 season, which will pay him $93.6 million over that time. That means he’ll end up surpassing Georgia coach — and former assistant — Kirby Smart as college football’s highest-paid coach just 33 days after Smart agreed to his high-profile extension.

“Our family is very happy to agree to a contract extension with The University of Alabama,” Saban stated. Terry and I are very appreciative of the unmatched commitment the University has shown to this football program and our family over the last 15-plus years. This is our home, and we look forward to finishing our career at Alabama.

“I’ve said this before, but the most fulfilling part of our job is seeing the players that represent our program grow and develop, not only in football, but more importantly in what they have been able to accomplish in their lives because of their involvement in our program. We want to thank the Board of Trustees, Chancellor St. John, President Bell, Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, our athletics administration, the football staff and the whole University community for their support.”

Full contract details revealed for Nick Saban’s new extension

Alabama released the details of head coach Nick Saban’s massive new contract on Tuesday. The deal, which now runs through the 2029 season and ends in February of 2030, is worth a total of at least $93.6 million.

Alabama will pay the seven-time national championship-winning head coach $10.7 million in 2022 under the new deal. However, by 2029, he’ll receive at least $12.7 million.

The average of his contract once again makes him the highest-paid head coach in the NCAA. Georgia had briefly made Kirby Smart the highest-paid head coach after he won the national championship in 2022. Although Smart’s deal is longer (10 years), he’ll make $12.25 million in 2031, which is less than Saban.

Adding yet another year on his contract can help the Crimson Tide, which has had to fend off rumblings about the 70-year-old’s retirement for several seasons now.