What Nick Saban did for Alabama and what (we think) it means

Gratitude. 

Upon learning that Nick Saban’s 17-year tenure as head football coach at the University of Alabama had come to an end, that should have been the initial reaction of Crimson Tide fans everywhere.

Really, in the wake of Chris Low’s report for ESPN late Wednesday afternoon, how could there have been any other emotion? 

Oh, I get the heartbreak so many are experiencing tonight. The reason for that, though, is that Saban and his wife, Terry, provided the UA fanbase with so much to be thankful for.

Obviously, there were the on-the-field results that not only challenged those from another UA era for all-time, but in more than a few ways, surpassed it. 

If you want to know how much Saban’s hiring changed the trajectory of Alabama football, consider this: Saban won more games during his time in Tuscaloosa than the Crimson Tide had in the 24 years between his stint and that of the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Think about that. 

Ray Perkins, Bill Curry, Gene Stallings, Mike DuBose, Dennis Franchione and Mike Shula combined to win 30 fewer games during the interim of the Bryant and Saban eras than Saban did in seven fewer seasons at Alabama.

Six national titles, nine SEC crowns aside, there are other numbers that will become even more astonishing in time.

— Thirteen straight seasons of 11 wins or more.

— Eight College Football Playoff appearances in the 10-year existence of the four-team format.

And those are just a few.

Speaking of giving thanks, take time to think about Dr. Robert Witt and the late Mal Moore tonight, too. Perhaps another sitting college coach in the state, while you’re at it.

In retrospect, the timing was perfect for Saban to make the move back to the college ranks from the NFL back in 2007. Still, he wasn’t leaving the Miami Dolphins (give thanks for Drew Brees not passing his physical while you’re at it) for any job. Moore’s doggedness went a long way in winning over Miss Terry, the key cog in the decision-making process.

What I remember most about the pre-Saban era is heading out to practices at UA and wondering what it must be like to cover Southern California. Pete Carroll, who was relieved of his duties in Seattle on the same day Saban announced he was walking away from his, had it going in Los Angeles earlier in the century.

Less than three years later, I didn’t have to wonder anymore. Off Bryant Drive, USC and then some was unfolding before my eyes. 

With the run of lifetime came a stretch of “work trips” to some the very biggest stages in college football: New Orleans (several), Dallas, Atlanta (several), Santa Clara, Pasadena, Glendale, State College, Austin and the list goes on and on.

Not just football experiences, either. Between my wife and three kids who were smack dab in the middle of their football formative years during the first half of Saban’s tenure, we’re talking family experiences for a lifetime.

What became more clear in time is that the Sabans were interested in making an impact in ways that transcended football. Alabama not only got the best tandem in football coaching, it and the region were graced by the Nick’s Kids Foundation, which took flight during Nick and Terry’s time at Michigan State.

To be sure, UA and its fans have committed fully to giving Saban and the football program every advantage needed to sustain the level of excellence we’ve witnessed for nearly two decades. To their credit, the Sabans have given back in ways that will benefit generations to come. 

Before the focus shifts entirely to salvaging the roster/recruiting class and hiring a new staff, there’s plenty to be thankful for. And that won’t end anytime soon. 

More than once, Saban has said the greatest blessing is being able to bless others. To he and his wife I say, mission accomplished.

As far as legacies go, it doesn’t get any better than that.