The University of Alabama will formally recognize seven-time national champion head football coach Nick Saban by naming the field inside Bryant-Denny Stadium in his honor. The Honorary Degrees and Recognition Committee of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution on July 19 approving the naming honor, and the board of trustees will formally adopt the resolution and present it to Saban at its September meeting.

The dedication of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7, at halftime during the Crimson Tide’s football game versus South Florida.

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“We are humbled that the University of Alabama has honored us with the naming of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium,” Saban said. “The remarkable success that the football program has achieved over the past 17 years is a reflection of the hard work of many student-athletes, coaches and staff. Being leader of the process at Alabama has been the greatest privilege of my life. Terry and I are grateful for the naming of Saban Field, which forever celebrates our accomplishments.”

Saban coached for 28 years at the collegiate level and won six of his seven national championships at Alabama (2009, 2011-12, 2015, 2017 and 2020). He compiled a 297-71-1 (.806) collegiate coaching record, including a 206-29 (.877) mark in Tuscaloosa. Saban’s teams won a combined 11 SEC titles, nine of which came with the Crimson Tide.

“Dedicating the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium as Saban Field is a fitting way to honor Coach Saban’s extraordinary contributions to the University of Alabama,” said UA President Stuart R. Bell. “Coach Saban and Ms. Terry have significantly enriched our community, and this recognition celebrates their lasting legacy. We are grateful to the board of trustees for bestowing this great honor.”

In his six national championship seasons at Alabama, Saban’s teams went 21-2 against top-10 opponents and, since 2008, the Crimson Tide was 37-15 overall against top-10 teams. Alabama was also ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Poll for at least one week for 15 straight years (2008-22), which broke the record of seven established by Miami (1986-92).

A conceptual rendering shows the inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium with the name Saban Field added. (University of Alabama)

“We are thrilled to honor Coach Saban with the naming of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium,” said Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. “He is one of the greatest coaches of all time, impacting countless lives far beyond football. What he and Ms. Terry mean to the University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa community is immeasurable. They continue to be tremendous ambassadors, and we look forward to celebrating with them in September.”

Saban coached four Heisman Trophy winners, joining Notre Dame’s Frank Leahy for the most in college football history. He is the only coach to ever have Heisman Trophy winners at three different positions (running back, wide receiver and quarterback). Additionally, Crimson Tide players secured 60 national individual awards.

Under his watch, 66 All-America honors were won by 58 different individuals from 2008 to 2023. Eight players were named two-time All-Americans along with 46 consensus honors and 25 unanimous selections. Will Anderson Jr. became the first two-time unanimous All-American in Alabama history.

A conceptual rendering shows the locker-room tunnel at Bryant-Denny Stadium with the name Saban Field displayed above it. (University of Alabama)

Saban’s success also translated to NFL success for his players with a record 49 players chosen in the first round of the draft (44 at Alabama). His Alabama players have been paid more than $2 billion over the last 16 NFL seasons.

Off the field, Alabama football saw a total of 656 degrees earned, including 103 master’s degrees.

Through the Nick’s Kids Foundation, more than $13 million has been distributed to students, teachers and children’s causes at more than 150 charities since the Sabans’ arrival in Tuscaloosa. Also, 21 homes have been built in the community through Habitat for Humanity.