Mayor Walt Maddox has picked up arguably the biggest possible endorsement ahead of tomorrow’s municipal elections in Tuscaloosa.
If re-elected, it will become Maddox’s sixth victory since he first ran for the office in 2005 — a number of which have been unopposed.
Perhaps the most influential voice in the Yellowhammer State, former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, issued Maddox with a rare, highly-coveted political endorsement:
II am beyond honored to receive an endorsement from Nick and Terry Saban. The Sabans have devoted so much to Tuscaloosa, and they believe in the work we will continue to do in the next four years. Make a plan to vote tomorrow and Roll Tide! pic.twitter.com/ZQkUMr6H8F
— Walt Maddox (@WaltMaddox) March 3, 2025
“For 18 years Miss Terry and I have called Tuscaloosa home,” Saban said. “This is the best college town we have ever lived in, and it’s largely due to Mayor Maddox. Terry and I have worked closely with Mayor Maddox, he truly cares about the people in our community and makes great decisions to elevate Tuscaloosa…Many thanks to Walt and Roll Tide!”
“The Sabans have devoted so much to Tuscaloosa, and they believe in the work we will continue to do in the next four years,” Maddox said of the endorsement.
When it comes to politics, Saban has never really dabbled.
He maintains a close friendship with former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) and has testified before Congress to act in the increasingly chaotic situation surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), as well as the transfer portal — but in terms of putting his name beside a candidate or policy proposal — today’s endorsement is an ultra-rare nod from the legendary coach.
As a longtime Tuscaloosa resident with close ties to Maddox, it’s not a major shock to see an endorsement from Saban — but it is notable in the sense of its rarity.
Maddox’s opponent on Tuesday is first-time candidate Denson Ferrell II, a military veteran as well as a former police officer.
