The news shook the college football world to its foundations. Nick Saban, after a 17-year tenure at Alabama, during which he won six national championships, announced his retirement Wednesday.
Rival fans celebrated in the streets while Crimson Tide fans and former players expressed everything from wistful remembrance to desperate sadness on social media.
Perhaps no column of the college football world reacted to the news quite like college coaches. From Saban’s biggest rivals to his former coworkers, Saban’s colleagues in one of our country’s weirdest and wildest professions were nearly unanimous in the respect they had for the coach, who most agree is the greatest in the sport’s history.
Gus Malzahn
It was a true honor to coach against you throughout the years. Enjoy your retirement! pic.twitter.com/Lju1bGBCi9
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) January 10, 2024
Current UCF head coach Gus Malzahn went toe-to-toe with Nick Saban for years as the head coach at archrival Auburn.
Hugh Freeze
Hard to express how much Nick and Ms Terri have meant to Jill and I as friends and you have forever set the mark for many to chase in this profession. Enjoy Retirement!!
— Hugh Freeze (@CoachHughFreeze) January 10, 2024
Another coach with a long history with Saban, Freeze just completed his first Iron Bowl as head coach of Auburn, now the only one he’ll ever get to coach in against Saban. Freeze also won twice against Saban during his time as the head coach at Ole Miss.
Deion Sanders
WOW! College Football just lost the GOAT to retirement. WOW! I knew it would happen 1 day soon but not this soon. The game has change so much that it chased the GOAT away. College football let's hold up our mirrors and say HONESTLY what u see. #CoachPrime @CUBuffsFootball
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) January 10, 2024
“Coach Prime” never faced off against Saban but the two have a long history of working together in commercials for Aflac.
Steve Sarkisian
The 2 GOAT’s! Would not be where I am today without these two men as mentors! Thank you for everything! pic.twitter.com/JTJCgOdYbN
— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) January 10, 2024
Sarkisian paid tribute to both Saban and another legendary head coach he once worked for, Pete Carroll. Sarkisian served as offensive coordinator for both coaches and assisted them during national championship seasons.
