Nick Saban, one of the greatest college football coaches in history, has closed a remarkable chapter in his career after 17 seasons at Alabama.
The 72-year-old was the head football coach at the University of Alabama from 2007 to 2023, helping the school’s Crimson Tide team become national champions. His wealth of experience extended to other teams, making him a beloved mentor in the NFL world.
While many were saddened by Saban’s passing, fans celebrated his illustrious career and flooded social media with their favorite memories instead of mourning the coach’s retirement.
Nick Saban Describes Usual Offseason At Alabama In Emotional Statement
During his 17 years at Alabama, Saban managed to turn the university’s football team into the champion it is today with the help of his wife, Terry. The famous coach reflected on the pair’s time at the school in his farewell statement, which read:
“The University of Alabama has been a very special place to Terry and me. We have enjoyed every minute of our 17 years as the head coach at Alabama and being a part of the Tuscaloosa community.”
“It’s not just about how many games we win and lose, it’s about the legacy and how we do it. We always try to do it the right way,” continued the 72-year-old, noting the pair’s aim is to help players be the best on the pitch. In Saban’s words:
“The goal is always to help players create more value for their future, be the best players they can be, and be more successful in life because they are a part of the program. Hopefully, we have, and we will always consider Alabama our home.”
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The Fairmont native doesn’t have to worry about his legacy, as his accomplishments refer to his work at Alabama. The university’s Athletic Director, Greg Byrne, raved about the coach’s distinguished career at the school, noting he helped them win “seven national championships, 11 conference championships and 312 games.”
“He has developed an NCAA-record 49 NFL first-round draft picks and, most importantly, hundreds of college graduates. He is the consummate coach, mentor, and leader, and his impact is felt far beyond the football field.” In post X, Byrne ejaculated:
“Simply put, Nick Saban is one of the greatest coaches of all time, in any sport, and the University of Alabama is fortunate to have him at the helm of our football program for the past 17 seasons.”
Saban’s accomplishments are not only tied to Alabama, as he has spent 28 years as a college head coach at Toledo (1990), Michigan State (1995-99), LSU (2000-04), and Alabama (2007-23). In those years, he achieved seven national titles, with the first at LSU in 2003, before winning six championships at Alabama (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020).
He also coached the Miami Dolphins for two seasons (2005-2006). His success became the success of his players, as 49 of the athletes he coached were selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Drafted Alabama players have reportedly made over $2 billion in the past 16 NFL seasons.
Fans Share Their Favorite Nick Saban Moments in Celebration of His Retirement
My favorite Nick Saban moment didn’t come in victory, it came in defeat.
Coaches and parents make sure you validate your child/athlete even after a loss.
Forever my favorite Saban moment. pic.twitter.com/wrBXJAs4eM
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) January 11, 2024
Saban’s retirement sparked a wave of nostalgia on social media platforms like X, with many sharing their favorite moments and quotes from the coach. A fan raving:
“Nick Saban’s time at Alabama will end with every player who played for him for 4 years winning at least 1 national championship. More than 17 years. Absolutely crazy.”
One more sounded, “In honor of Nick Saban’s retirement…One of my favorite quotes from him: ‘There are two pains in life. There are pains of discipline and pains of disappointment. If you can deal with the pain of discipline, then you’ll never face the pain of disappointment.’”
A third fan also brought down their favorite Saban quote about perseverance, which read, “’Run hard when it’s hard to run. It all starts with discipline. Practice until you can’t go wrong – not just until you’re right. If you don’t respect it enough to do it right when it’s the right way to do it, how can you be trusted in the game?’ – Nick Saban.”
More fans are recalling the coach’s best moments, with one person sharing a video of the 72-year-old cheering on his team after they lost a match. The individual gave a touching caption for a while:
“My favorite Nick Saban moment wasn’t a win, it came in a loss. Coaches and parents make sure you validate your child/athlete even after a loss. Forever my favorite Saban moment.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
