Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Senator Tommy Tuberville release statements on Nick Saban's retirement

Alabama head coach Nick Saban shocked the college football world on Wednesday when he suddenly announced he was retiring, and the heartfelt congratulations has been pouring in since, even from some unlikely places. Like the United States Senate, where Tommy Tuberville now resides.

The one-time Auburn head coach has had his fair share of clashes with Saban over the years, and he took time out of his day on Wednesday evening to congratulate Saban.

“As a close friend and competitor for decades, I want to congratulate Nick Saban on a historic coaching career that achieved 7 national championships and 11 SEC championships — accomplishments that may never be equaled,” Tommy Tuberville wrote on Twitter.

“I have always admired his focus and his dedication to the game of football, to his players and to the state of Alabama. College football fans everywhere will miss Nick Saban on the sidelines every Saturday. I wish him well on his future endeavors and congratulate him on a well earned retirement.”

Saban and Tuberville had seven meetings with both serving as a head coach, and Tuberville owns the head-to-head record 4-3.

The two played five games when Saban was at LSU and Tuberville was at Auburn, then played another two when Saban was at Alabama and Tuberville was at Auburn. Tuberville boasted a 3-2 edge in the LSU series, while the two split the Iron Bowl meetings.

Tommy Tuberville wasn’t the only U.S. political representative to reach out and congratulate Saban, though.

Alabama governor Kay Ivey also wished Saban well.

“Nick Saban will go down as one of the best in college football, and in Alabama, in our culture, that means something,” Ivey wrote. “He and Terry are also tremendous Alabamians who have given so much to the Tuscaloosa community and our entire state. For you, Coach, I’ll say: Roll Tide!”

While Saban’s next steps remain unclear, one thing is certain. He holds some serious sway in the state of Alabama.

Tuberville is the perfect example of just how far that influence can extend, should Saban want it to. Tuberville made the transition from coaching to politics when his time with the whistle was done and while Saban has yet to indicate any interest in that direction, he’d certainly have his backers if he did.