Alabama officially adds Nick Saban Field to stadium name in pregame ceremony

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Nick Saban once again took part in Alabama’s traditional pregame “Walk of Champions” amid a crowd of cheering fans.

This time, the coach who led the Crimson Tide to six national championships in 17 seasons walked through the gates under a sign that read “Saban Field.” He also made the short walk with his wife Terry and grandson James instead of his players and coaches.

Alabama officially unveiled a new sign bearing the new name “Nick Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium” hours before the fourth-ranked Tide hosted South Florida, with an on-field celebration at halftime.

“It’s a great honor to have a field named after the legacy we’ve been able to create here,” Saban told the assembled fans, wearing his familiar gray suit and crimson tie.

“But I want that legacy to represent every player who played, who worked hard, every coach who helped those players develop, our administration that laid the foundation on which we had a chance to succeed.”

Successful is an understatement.

Saban, who announced his retirement from coaching in January, led Alabama to a 206-29 record on the field and nine SEC titles, holding the No. 1 spot in the AP rankings at one point during a record 15 consecutive seasons. The previous record of seven was held by Miami.

Former Alabama football head coach Nick Saban, right, speaks with his wife, Terry, as the University of Alabama honors them by renaming their stadium before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama’s football stadium will now be known as Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credits: AP/Vasha Hunt

Saban now works for ESPN and has an office at the stadium, where he was once honored with a statue. He was replaced by former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer.

Bryant-Denny Stadium is named for longtime president George Denny, who took office in 1912, and the late football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

The University of Alabama announced that its student body has grown from 25,580 in its first year in 2007 to 39,623 in its last academic year. Saban stressed that football and sports in general are “the window through which people look at this university.”

“The impact we’ve been able to have through our successful programs has elevated our university,” he said. “And I’m proud of the fact that we’ve been able to contribute to that in so many ways.”

Former Alabama football head coach Nick Saban speaks as the University of Alabama honors him by renaming its stadium before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama’s football stadium will now be known as Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credits: AP/Vasha Hunt

Saban and his wife Terry spoke at the ceremony before taking a brief walk to the stadium.

“Their legacy will live on here at the University of Alabama for generations to come,” said university President Stuart Bell.