Nick Saban took part in Alabama’s traditional “Walk of Champions” through a crowd of cheering fans one last time.
This time, the coach, who led the Crimson Tide to six national titles in 17 seasons, walked through doors marked with the new name “Saban Field.” He was accompanied by his wife Terry and grandson James, rather than his players and coaches.
Before Alabama’s game against South Florida, a new sign was revealed with the name “Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.” At halftime, there was a celebration on the field with his family, fans applauding, and chanting his name.
“This is a great honor to have the field named after the legacy that we’ve been able to create here,” Saban told the fans, dressed in his usual gray suit and crimson tie.
“But I want this legacy to represent every player who played and worked hard, every coach who helped those players, and our administration that set up a foundation for success.”
Success is an understatement.
Saban, who retired from coaching in January, led Alabama to a 206-29 record and nine SEC titles, holding the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll for a record 15 consecutive seasons. The previous record of seven was held by Miami.
Now working for ESPN, Saban has an office at the stadium and had already been honored with a statue. Former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer has taken over his position.
Bryant-Denny Stadium is named after long-time president George Denny, who began his term in 1912, and the late football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
Alabama’s student enrollment increased from 25,580 in Saban’s first year, 2007, to 39,623 in the latest academic year. Saban mentioned that football and athletics are “the window that people look through at this university.”
