When fans make a short list of the best college football coaches of all-time, Alabama coach Nick Saban is always near (or at) the top of that list. He dominated college football for parts of three decades, winning seven national titles (one at LSU and six at Alabama).
On Wednesday, that storied coaching career came to an end.
According to a report from ESPN’s Chris Low, the Alabama coach informed his team that he is retiring.
Nick Saban is retiring, sources tell ESPN. He won six national titles at Alabama.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 10, 2024
In his final season at Alabama, the Crimson Tide upset ended Georgia’s 29-game winning streak in the SEC Championship Game. Alabama made the College Football Playoff before losing in the semifinal at the Rose Bowl against Michigan.
Saban will finish at Alabama with a remarkable 206-29 record (297-71 overall) and six national titles with the Tide.
College football fans were understandably shocked by the news — even if we all knew this day would eventually arrive. It’s the end of an era.
This was how Twitter reacted
Another coaching shocker: https://t.co/0uP0MVQlWP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2024
CAN TODAY CHILL?? Damn! https://t.co/cBVJO49Cnv
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) January 10, 2024
okay that’s enough for today https://t.co/gMmMCb1kYH
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) January 10, 2024
Knew this day would come but damn. https://t.co/j0ZF7UlpNa pic.twitter.com/YGF6diTh4J
— Cam (@oleRAYpaps) January 10, 2024
all because of this man https://t.co/HBcligEzE3 pic.twitter.com/CxeNH5pXGe
— Arjun Menon (@arjunmenon100) January 10, 2024
OH MY WORD! IT’S HAPPENING! https://t.co/D526CMQnZ2 pic.twitter.com/Xeqq79XySq
— Anna Huffstutler (@A_Huffstutler) January 10, 2024
THE NIGHTMARE IS OVER. WE MAY LIVE IN PEACE AT LAST https://t.co/1jYnHtsy74 pic.twitter.com/WmHqM31MOZ
— Johni Broome Fan Account (Barn Cheatin) (@JPScottIV) January 10, 2024
Is the day of reckoning here?!?!? https://t.co/LqQNq7JEVR pic.twitter.com/4tklpda5hK
— Riley (@Ri_S_OB) January 10, 2024
WOW! End of an era if true. The greatest to ever do it. 🐐 https://t.co/TMsSnJRcEr
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 10, 2024
Every sports desk in Alabama in the next 30 minutes. https://t.co/smglQeSes4 pic.twitter.com/HmhSA3iY9w
— TK from the Paper (@tkhighcountry) January 10, 2024
Nick Saban and Belichick are clearly in a blood pact and one cannot exist without the other https://t.co/LlHfKdCvd7
— Danny Heifetz (@Danny_Heifetz) January 10, 2024
WOW. I'm honestly shocked – I thought this was still at least 5 years out. https://t.co/1jKfgcpnQv
— College Football Nerds (@CFBNerds) January 10, 2024