Breaking: University Of Alabama Crimson Tide have Agreed to allocate $2.5 million to build a statue of legendary Nick Saban outside Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the team’s iconic home, to honor his immense contributions during his illustrious career with the franchise….Read more

Breaking: University Of Alabama Crimson Tide have Agreed to allocate $2.5 million to build a statue of legendary Nick Saban outside Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the team’s iconic home, to honor his immense contributions during his illustrious career with the franchise….Read more👇👇👇

 

 

BREAKING: Alabama Crimson Tide to Build $2.5 Million Statue of Legendary Nick Saban Outside Bryant–Denny Stadium

In a move that cements the legacy of one of the most successful coaches in college football history, the University of Alabama has announced that it will allocate $2.5 million to build a statue honoring legendary head coach Nick Saban. The statue will stand proudly outside Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, the historic home of the Crimson Tide.

University President Dr. Stuart R. Bell and Athletic Director Greg Byrne made the announcement at a press conference on campus this morning.

“Nick Saban transformed Alabama football into the standard of excellence in college athletics,” Byrne said. “This statue is a tribute to his remarkable impact—not just on the field, but in the lives of the players, staff, and fans who were part of his historic journey. Coach Saban will forever be a part of Alabama’s DNA.”

A Legacy Like No Other

Nick Saban retired in January 2024 after a legendary 17-season run with the Crimson Tide, where he compiled a record of 201–29, captured six national championships (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020), and redefined the landscape of college football.

Saban also coached future NFL stars such as Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith, Derrick Henry, and Amari Cooper, while maintaining a relentless standard of discipline, preparation, and dominance that became the hallmark of the Alabama football program.

“Coach Saban is more than a winner—he’s an institution,” said President Bell. “He brought pride, unity, and inspiration to generations of students and alumni. This statue will stand as a symbol of his greatness and our gratitude.”

Statue Details and Design Plans

The statue will be located in Crimson Plaza, the same area where statues of previous national championship-winning coaches like Paul “Bear” Bryant, Gene Stallings, and Wallace Wade are already enshrined.

It will depict Saban in a classic sideline pose—headset on, arms folded, with his signature focused glare—capturing the intensity and resolve that became his identity.

The project will be led by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon, who also designed statues of Bear Bryant and other collegiate legends. According to Hanlon, the Saban statue will stand over 10 feet tall, crafted in bronze with a granite base inscribed with his key milestones, records, and motivational quotes.

Groundbreaking is set for December 2025, with the official unveiling planned for Fall 2026, just before Alabama’s home opener.

Former Players and Coaches React

The announcement has sparked an emotional response from the Alabama football community and the broader sports world. Dozens of Saban’s former players and coaching staff have voiced their support.

“This is the ultimate honor,” said Derrick Henry, 2015 Heisman Trophy winner. “Coach Saban changed my life. He challenged us to be great men, not just great athletes. I’ll be there the day that statue is unveiled, no question.”

Former Alabama offensive coordinator and now Georgia Tech head coach Bill O’Brien added:

“There is no Alabama dynasty without Nick Saban. He built the most feared program in the sport, brick by brick. He deserves to be immortalized.”

Fans Celebrate the Legend

Crimson Tide fans took to social media en masse to celebrate the news, with hashtags like #SabanStatue, #GOAT, and #ThankYouCoach trending nationwide.

Outside Bryant–Denny Stadium, dozens of fans gathered within hours of the announcement, chanting “Roll Tide!” and placing flowers, signs, and photos near the existing statue row.

Shelby Price, a student at the university, summed up the sentiment:

“Nick Saban was more than our coach—he was our culture. He gave us pride. This statue is the least we can do.”

A Lasting Legacy

Though retired from coaching, Saban remains deeply involved in leadership and education initiatives, including the Nick’s Kids Foundation, which has donated millions to underserved communities in Alabama and across the country.

He also serves as an advisor to the university and occasionally appears on college football broadcasts, continuing to shape the future of the game even from the sidelines.

In the words of Athletic Director Greg Byrne:

“Statues are reserved for the extraordinary—and Nick Saban was just that. Now, future generations will walk past his likeness, remember his greatness, and understand what it means to be part of the Crimson Tide.”

As construction begins, one thing is clear: Nick Saban’s legacy isn’t just written in record books—it will soon be cast in bronze, standing forever in the heart of Tuscaloosa.