College Football

Nick Saban Field? Why Alabama is naming turf at Bryant-Denny Stadium after retired head coach

There is no college football coach in history with more national titles than Nick Saban, and while he already has a statue on Alabama’s campus, recognitions keep coming for the recently retired legend.

Alabama is set to name the turf at Bryant-Denny Stadium “Nick Saban Field,” as first reported by TideIllustrated.com. The title is slated to become official at a ceremony on Sept. 7 ahead of the Crimson Tide’s matchup versus South Florida.

While Saban himself might not always be in Tuscaloosa with his new gig as an analyst on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” his presence will be permanently felt at Alabama home games.

Here’s what you need to know about the new moniker for Bryant-Denny Stadium’s playing field.

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Why is Alabama naming the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium after Nick Saban?

The agenda for Alabama’s board of trustees meeting Friday contains an item titled “consideration of a resolution approving a naming at Bryant-Denny Stadium at UA.” The virtual meeting is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET, and there’s little doubt the resolution will pass, which will set up the seven-time national championship-winning coach for the special honor.

Saban’s legendary run with the Crimson Tide culminated in a 201-29 all-time record, including 117-18 in SEC play. He went to the national title game nine times in the 17 years he coached in Tuscaloosa, winning six titles. His seventh championship came in 2003 as head coach of LSU.

Widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the college game, it’s difficult to question the school’s motivation to name the field Saban won so many games on after him. After all, Saban only lost nine games at home, winning 103 contests under the Bryant-Denny lights.

Bryant-Denny Stadium capacity

Seating 101,821 fans, Bryant-Denny Stadium is only the fourth-largest stadium in the SEC and the eighth-largest in the country. Since retiring, Saban has maintained an office in the stadium and plans to stick around as a resource for new head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama players.

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Nick Saban Alabama coaching record

Year	Record (SEC)	Bowl/championship (result)	Final AP rank
2007	7-6 (4-4)	Independence Bowl (W)	N/A
2008	12-2 (8-0)	Sugar Bowl (L)	6
2009	14-0 (8-0)	BCS National Championship (W)	1
2010	10-3 (5-3)	Capital One Bowl (W)	10
2011	12-1 (7-1)	BCS National Championship (W)	1
2012	13-1 (7-1)	BCS National Championship (W)	1
2013	11-2 (7-1)	Sugar Bowl (L)	7
2014	12-2 (7-1)	Sugar Bowl (L)	4
2015	14-1 (7-1)	CFP National Championship (W)	1
2016	14-1 (8-0)	CFP National Championship (L)	2
2017	13-1 (7-1)	CFP National Championship (W)	1
2018	14-1 (8-0)	CFP National Championship (L)	2
2019	11-2 (6-2)	Citrus Bowl (W)	8
2020	13-0 (10-0)	CFP National Championship (W)	1
2021	13-2 (7-1)	CFP National Championship (L)	2
2022	11-2 (6-2)	Sugar Bowl (W)	5
2023	12-2 (8-0)	Rose Bowl (L)	5

2024 Alabama football schedule

Date	Opponent	Time (ET)	TV channel
Aug. 31	vs. Western Kentucky	7 p.m.	ESPN
Sept. 7	vs. USF	7 p.m.	ESPN
Sept. 14	at Wisconsin	12 p.m.	Fox
Sept. 21	Bye
Sept. 28	vs. Georgia	7:30 p.m.	ABC
Oct. 5	at Vanderbilt	TBD	TBD
Oct. 12	vs. South Carolina	12 p.m.	ABC or ESPN
Oct. 19	at Tennessee	TBD	TBD
Oct. 26	vs. Missouri	TBD	TBD
Nov. 2	Bye
Nov. 9	at LSU	TBD	TBD
Nov. 16	vs. Mercer	2 p.m.	ESPN+/SEC Network+
Nov. 23	at Oklahoma	TBD	TBD
Nov. 30	vs. Auburn	TBD	TBD