BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary on Nick Saban, Slated for Release on May 15th
By Sports Legacy Network | May 3, 2025
In a groundbreaking announcement that has already sent waves across the sports world, Netflix has officially confirmed the upcoming release of its latest sports documentary, “The Underdog,” a powerful and intimate film chronicling the life and legacy of Nick Saban,
the most decorated college football coach in modern history. The documentary is set to premiere globally on May 15, 2025, offering an unprecedented look behind the curtain at the man whose unrelenting drive and legendary system transformed college football forever.
The documentary is part of Netflix’s expanding catalog of elite sports content, following in the footsteps of hits like “The Last Dance” and “Quarterback.” But while those focused on athletic superstars, “The Underdog” turns its lens toward a coaching icon — a man often revered for his brilliance but rarely understood in full.
“Nick Saban is a titan of the game,” said Netflix executive producer Monica Alvarez. “But what makes his story compelling isn’t just the wins. It’s the obstacles, the discipline, the early failures, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This is the story of a man who never saw himself as anything special — just someone who worked harder and demanded more.”
Humble Beginnings in Monongah
The documentary begins in Monongah, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town where Saban was raised. Born to a hard-working father who ran a service station, young Nick learned about discipline, structure, and leadership through example. The early portions of the film reveal a side of Saban rarely shown — family photos, interviews with childhood friends, and touching recollections of the life lessons he learned outside of football.
In one clip, Saban reflects, “I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a coach. I just knew I wanted to lead something. I wanted to make people better.”
That desire would take him to Kent State, where he played defensive back and witnessed the infamous 1970 campus shootings — a moment that deeply impacted his worldview and instilled in him a seriousness that would define his coaching career.
The Long Road to Greatness
“The Underdog” tracks Saban’s rise through the ranks of coaching, beginning as a graduate assistant at Kent State, moving on to stints with Syracuse, Ohio State, and eventually the NFL. But it wasn’t until he landed the head coaching job at Michigan State in the mid-1990s that he began to carve out his identity as a program builder.
From there, the film explores his championship run at LSU, his brief but telling stop with the Miami Dolphins, and ultimately his iconic tenure with the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he would win seven national championships and redefine what it meant to run a college football dynasty.
Behind-the-scenes footage offers rare glimpses into Saban’s day-to-day operations — team meetings, recruiting strategy sessions, and private moments of reflection that paint a more human picture of the often-stoic figure.
“The Process” Revealed
One of the most illuminating sections of the documentary is dedicated to Saban’s famed “Process” — the philosophical system he developed that focuses not on outcomes but on preparation, consistency, and doing your job at the highest level every single day.
Former players like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and Mac Jones provide insight into what it was like to play under Saban’s strict and demanding leadership. While many describe it as grueling, all speak to the lifelong benefits it brought them, both professionally and personally.
“He taught me how to prepare for life,” says Hurts in the film. “Not just football — life. That’s the Saban difference.”
Facing the End — and His Legacy
The documentary also does not shy away from the challenges Saban faced later in his career — the shifting landscape of NIL deals, transfer portals, and the rising pressure to adapt. Viewers will see how he evolved his coaching strategies, embraced modern technologies, and restructured Alabama’s football operations to stay on top in an ever-changing game.
Perhaps the most emotional scenes come from Saban’s retirement announcement and his reflections on what the game gave him — and what it cost. In a poignant monologue, he admits:
“I missed a lot. Birthdays. Anniversaries. I sacrificed time with people I love. But I gave everything I had to every player, every team. That was my mission.”
Anticipation Skyrockets
Since Netflix’s official teaser dropped earlier this week, anticipation has skyrocketed. Social media is buzzing with excitement, with hashtags like #TheUnderdogNetflix and #SabanDocumentary trending across platforms. Alabama fans and college football enthusiasts around the country are already planning watch parties and streaming events for the premiere.
Critics are hailing the film as a “must-watch” not only for sports fans, but for anyone inspired by stories of resilience, leadership, and relentless drive.
Premiering May 15 — Only on Netflix
“The Underdog” premieres exclusively on Netflix on May 15, available in over 30 languages and including bonus content for premium subscribers. With its powerful storytelling, rare access, and emotional depth, it promises to be one of the most compelling sports documentaries of the decade.
For a man who always let his teams do the talking, Nick Saban’s story is finally ready to be told — in full, and for the world to see.
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