Alabama football fans want Nick Saban to be the Crimson Tide coach for many more seasons. But it is the not Crimson Tide fans, who are more focused on when Nick Saban will retire from coaching. For many college football fans, tomorrow would not be too soon.
In recent years, most of the sports world has faced the reality that Nick Saban will not leave Alabama Football for another coaching job. Simply, there is no other job, in college or the NFL that is as good for Saban as his current one in Tuscaloosa. He, and more importantly, Miss Terry like living in Tuscaloosa. Whatever amount of money might be thrown at Saban by suitors, The University of Alabama would ante up more.
Two years ago, we published a presumption Nick Saban would be coaching the Crimson Tide for a trip to Morgantown, WV in 2026. Bringing one of his Alabama football teams to his home state, and all the welcome home festivities that would occur is just too much for the Sabans to pass up.
Now it appears, barring any unforeseen health issues, Nick Saban will fulfill his current contract that runs past the 2028 season.
On Wednesday, social media blew up with the following,
Question to Nick Saban on the SEC teleconference: "When you were at LSU, Lou Saban got a job when he was 80 years old, he was still coaching. I remember you saying at the time that you didn't think you could coach that long."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) October 27, 2021
A laughing Nick Saban: "I've got 10 more years, man."
Let’s be clear in stating, the Saban response was made in a bit of levity. He was probably joking more than being serious. Then again, Nick Saban rarely makes uncalculated public statements. How long does he intend to coach? He probably does not plan that far out. He has repeatedly expressed the intention to coach as long as he can make a positive contribution.
When he turns 70 on Sunday, it will be as one of the most vibrant men of that age. He shows no signs of slowing down.
All the Saban hoopla on Wednesday must have caused chills for every other coach in the SEC. Those trying to recruit against Alabama because of Saban’s age (cough, cough, Kirby) must feel as though Nick slapped them in the face. Just maybe, Saban’s response was contrived as a rebuttal to the recruiting challenges coming from other programs. If it was, it was skillfully done.
Alabama Football Records and Nick Saban
If Nick Saban does coach the Alabama Crimson Tide until he is 80, he will own virtually every Alabama Football coaching record. He would certainly pass Paul Bryant’s record of 323 coaching wins and Bryant’s record of 232 Crimson Tide victories.
The Crimson Nation is proud to shout ‘Long live the King.’ What Nick Saban and Alabama Football have done together has been glorious. It’s not ending anytime soon.