As national championship trophies continue piling up in Nick Saban’s office, so do the years on his contract.
The Crimson Tide announced this morning that it has extended its head football coach’s contract through the 2028 season.
Coming off his sixth national championship at the helm of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Saban now has eight years remaining on his existing contract.
“Terry and I are pleased and happy to sign another contract extension that will keep us in Tuscaloosa through the end of our career,” Saban said in a statement. “Our family calls Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama home, it’s a place where our roots now run deep. This agreement gives us the chance to continue to impact the lives of the young men and their families who choose to play football and get an education at Alabama. We want to thank the Board of Trustees, Chancellor St. John, President Bell, Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, our athletics administration, the football staff and the whole University community for their support.”
The base salary and talent fee of $8.425 million for the current contract year will increase annually throughout the length of the contract. There will also be a contract completion benefit of $800,000 payable at the end of the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 contract years.
Saban is entering his 15th season. In addition to his six national championships in 12 years, he has led the program to seven SEC championships. The Tide has had 106 players selected in the NFL Draft since 2009, including 39 first round picks. Those numbers are all the best in the nation during that span. Alabama’s six first round picks in the 2021 draft tied the NFL Draft record.
News of the extension drew a significant reaction on social media. Athletic Director Greg Byrne highlighted the work Saban and his wife, Terry, have done in the community.
Thankful for all Coach & Ms. Terry have done for Alabama on and off the field. Look forward to working with them for many more years to come. #RollTide https://t.co/C0W6PyeR3q
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) June 7, 2021
The Sabans have raised nearly $10 million for charitable causes through their Nick’s Kids Foundation and have personally donated $1 million to UA’s first-generation scholarship fund
“Coach Saban’s impact on The University of Alabama is immeasurable,” said University of Alabama President Stuart R. Bell. “What his teams have accomplished on the field is extraordinary. Moreover, he is dedicated to ensuring his student-athletes are successful beyond their sport with a stringent focus on their academics and personal development. We’re thrilled to have Nick and Terry Saban, who are among UA’s most distinguished ambassadors, leading by example and serving others in our community for many years to come.”
Tim Howe is an owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia
