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 |
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