Alabama to Immortalize Nick Saban with Statue Outside Bryant-Denny Stadium
A Tribute to the Greatest Coach in College Football History
TUSCALOOSA, AL – March 20, 2025
The University of Alabama has officially confirmed plans to honor legendary head coach Nick Saban with a statue outside Bryant-Denny Stadium, a tribute that cements his legacy as one of the greatest figures in college football history.
Saban, who retired after the 2023 season, left an indelible mark on the Crimson Tide program, transforming it into a dynasty that dominated the sport for nearly two decades. With six national championships, nine SEC titles, and a staggering 201-29 record at Alabama, Saban is widely regarded as the greatest coach of all time.
This move by the university has been met with overwhelming support from players, fans, and alumni, who have long considered Saban the architect of Alabama’s modern success.
“There is no Alabama football dynasty without Nick Saban,” said Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne. “His impact on the university, the sport, and the lives of countless players is immeasurable. This statue will ensure his legacy lives on forever.”
The statue will join Bear Bryant, Gene Stallings, Wallace Wade, and Frank Thomas along the Walk of Champions—a fitting placement for the coach who led Alabama to an unprecedented era of dominance.
A Lasting Tribute to a Coaching Icon
The statue’s design will depict Saban in his iconic game-day stance—arms crossed, wearing his signature straw hat, and watching the field with his intense gaze. The university has commissioned a renowned sculptor to craft the monument, ensuring it captures Saban’s presence and leadership.
The bronze statue will stand over 10 feet tall and will feature an engraved plaque detailing Saban’s legendary career, including:
• Six national championships at Alabama (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020)
• Nine SEC championships
• Multiple College Football Playoff appearances
• Four Heisman Trophy winners: Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, DeVonta Smith, and Bryce Young
• Dozens of first-round NFL Draft picks
• A record-breaking number of Alabama players drafted into the NFL
Alabama’s decision to honor Saban so soon after his retirement speaks to the immense impact he had on the program. While many statues are erected decades after a coach’s departure, Saban’s influence remains so powerful that university officials felt it necessary to commemorate him immediately.
A Humble Response from the GOAT
Despite the fanfare surrounding the announcement, Saban remained characteristically humble, deflecting attention away from himself and onto his players.
“This is really about all the players, coaches, and staff who made Alabama football what it is today,” Saban said. “Football is the ultimate team sport, and every championship we won was a result of the commitment, discipline, and effort of the entire program. I’m honored by this, but I hope the statue serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.”
Saban’s wife, Miss Terry Saban, also expressed her gratitude, calling the tribute “a touching way to remember all the incredible years we spent at Alabama.”
Alabama Fans React: “It’s About Time!”
For Alabama fans, this tribute has been a long time coming. Many took to social media to express their excitement and gratitude.
• @RollTideNation: “Saban gave us the greatest years in Alabama football history. No one deserves a statue more than him!”
• @BamaDynasty: “Six national titles, countless memories. I can’t wait to visit the statue and pay my respects!”
• @TideForever: “Saban didn’t just win games, he built a culture of excellence. This statue is a symbol of the dynasty he created.”
Some fans even suggested that the entire stadium should be renamed “Saban Stadium”, while others called for a full-scale Nick Saban museum to be built in his honor.
Longtime Alabama fan Mark Henderson, who has attended every home game since 1980, summed up the sentiment:
“Bear Bryant built Alabama football. Nick Saban took it to a whole new level. He deserves every bit of this honor.”
From Humble Beginnings to College Football’s Greatest Dynasty
Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2007 with one mission: restore Alabama to greatness.
At the time, the program had struggled for years, cycling through coaches without finding stability. But Saban instantly changed the culture, instilling a mentality of “The Process”—a philosophy centered on discipline, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
His impact was immediate. By 2009, Alabama had won its first national championship under Saban. Over the next decade and a half, the Tide became a dynasty, with:
• Six national championships (the most by any coach in the modern era)
• A record-setting 106 weeks ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll
• The most players drafted into the NFL of any program during his tenure
• Unprecedented recruiting dominance, with multiple No. 1 ranked classes
Former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who led the Tide to the 2017 national championship, called Saban “the greatest coach in history.”
“Coach Saban demanded the best out of all of us, and that’s why we won so much,” Tagovailoa said. “He prepared us not just for football, but for life. This statue is a tribute to everything he built at Alabama.”
An Unforgettable Unveiling Ceremony Planned for 2026
The statue is set to be unveiled in the fall of 2026, just before Alabama’s home opener. University officials confirmed that the event will be a grand celebration of Saban’s career, with:
• Nick Saban and Miss Terry in attendance
• Former players and assistant coaches invited to speak
• A video tribute showcasing Saban’s greatest moments
• Special recognition from the Alabama student body and fan base
The unveiling is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans, as Crimson Tide faithful gather to honor the man who made Alabama football the gold standard of the sport.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, who played under Saban in his final years, said it best:
“Coach Saban gave everything to Alabama football. Now, Alabama football is giving back to him.”
The Legacy of Nick Saban: More Than Just Wins and Championships
While Saban’s on-field success is unmatched, his off-field impact is just as significant.
During his tenure, he was known for mentoring players, building character, and emphasizing academics. He and Miss Terry also founded the Nick’s Kids Foundation, which has donated millions to education, disaster relief, and community projects.
Former Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr., now in the NFL, reflected on Saban’s influence:
“He taught us how to be men, how to handle adversity, and how to always do things the right way. That’s the legacy that will last far beyond football.”
For Alabama, Saban wasn’t just a coach—he was a leader, a mentor, and a symbol of excellence.
Final Thoughts: A Statue for the GOAT
With six national championships, an unmatched record, and a culture of excellence that will last for generations, Nick Saban is now forever immortalized in Alabama football history.
When the statue is unveiled in 2026, fans will gather to celebrate the man who turned “Roll Tide” into a symbol of dominance.
Nick Saban’s legacy isn’t just measured in wins—it’s measured in the countless players he mentored, the fans he inspired, and the dynasty he built.
Now, his presence at Bryant-Denny Stadium will remain forever—just as his impact on Alabama football will never fade.
ROLL TIDE!
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