Nick Saban Retires What Next For Alabama?
Nick Saban, Head Coach of the University of Alabama has called it a career following Alabama’s 20-27 loss to the University of Michigan in the 2024 Rose Bowl. In Saban’s career he had never had a losing season. He spent 28 years coaching at the college level in which he amassed Seven national championships, 12 conference titles, and 19 bowl game wins (ESPN,2024). Saban won six of those national championships in his 17-year tenure with the Crimson Tide. Saban is regarded as one of the winningest coaches in the college sport with an impressive 292-71-1 record. This record has Saban stamped in the history books as the second most wins in the South-Eastern Conference (SEC), sixth in all-time FBS wins and 12th in NCAA college football history.
Saban was a part of the development of some of the top players in the National Football league (NFL). A few to name would be WR Julio Jones, RB Derrick Henry, DB Patrick Surtain II and 2023’s first pick QB Bryce Young. Saban is credited for 49 players being selected in the first round of the NFL draft. That is the most in the Common draft era. (ESPN,2024). Saban led Alabama to 16 straight ten game win seasons. Including two complete undefeated seasons in 2009 and 2020.
With Saban retiring from the head coaching position at Alabama that leaves some massive shoes to fill. With many coaches being available across the CFB and NFL scene Alabama has the chance to reach out to some big-name coaches. A list to of coaches that could be potential candidates are:
Oregon HC Dan Lanning
Clemson HC Dabo Swinney
Former Washington Commanders HC Ron Rivera
Former Tennessee Titans HC Mike Vrabel
The next HC of Alabama will be left with a talented young team led by Junior quarterback Jalen Milroe and Junior defensive back Terrion Arnold. With many college players still searching for a home in the transfer portal there is still a chance to land some big name players in the Crimson Tide locker room.
