The world of college sports was taken by complete surprise Wednesday evening after the shock announcement that Alabama’s Nick Saban, will be retiring after 17 seasons at the helm of the Crimson Tide.
Saban won a record seven national championships during his time coaching in the NCAA, one at LSU and six at Alabama. His overall record as a head coach was 297-71-1.
As news of the surprise retirement spread, Alabama’s legislative leaders paid their respects to arguably the greatest coach in college football’s history.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, former head coach of the Auburn Tigers from 1999-2008 — Alabama’s only elected official to actually square off against Saban on the field — said his accomplishments as a coach may never be equaled.
https://twitter.com/SenTuberville/status/1745248087474393517
U.S. Senator Katie Britt, a graduate of the University of Alabama, called Saban the greatest coach in the history of athletics.
Thank you, Coach Saban. The greatest of all time. pic.twitter.com/lRAX9LGMcM
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) January 11, 2024
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), also an Alabama grad, simply referred to Saban as the greatest of all time.
https://twitter.com/Robert_Aderholt/status/1745212327312416950
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) wished Saban well and a happy retirement, along with his wife, Mrs. Terry Saban.
https://twitter.com/RepDaleStrong/status/1745259103675400421
Governor Kay Ivey called Saban and his wife “tremendous Alabamians.”
https://twitter.com/GovernorKayIvey/status/1745249826093027700
Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth thanked Saban on behalf of the entire state.
https://twitter.com/willainsworthAL/status/1745215490492957079
Alabama Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) noted that during his time at Alabama, Saban was a model leader whose impact will be, “felt for generations.”
https://twitter.com/SenatorGregReed/status/1745220573196632247
The University of Alabama announced Wednesday evening that it plans to have the head coaching position filled within 72 hours.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
