Former LSU Coach Nick Saban Retires After 17 Seasons At Alabama

Alabama head coach Nick Saban will retire after 28 years of coaching College Football, the school announced on Wednesday.

Saban, 72, just completed his 17th season at Alabama, where he won six national championships.

In 1999, Saban was hired as LSU's 31st head football coach, replacing Gerry DiNardo.

He won his first SEC Championship with the Tigers in 2001, beating No. 2 Tennessee, 31-20. LSU finished the season with a 47-34 win over Illinois in the Sugar Bowl and a 10-3 overall record.

In 2023, Saban led the Tigers to a BCS National Championship Title, beating Oklahoma 21-14. LSU finished 13-1 that season. He left Baton Rouge following the 2004 season to coach the Miami Dolphins.

Saban's retirement news sent a shockwave through the College Football world on Wednesday and leaves Alabama with a massive hole to fill to replace him.

The NCAA transfer portal window will also now open for an additional 30 days for Alabama football players following today's news. Per 247 Sports:

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Because Alabama played in the College Football Playoff, Crimson Tide players had until Jan. 6 to enter the transfer portal.

Now, because of Nick Saban's sudden retirement on Wednesday, Alabama players have an additional 30 days to enter the transfer portal if they wish.

Whenever there's a head-coaching change — a firing, retirement, or if a head coach leaves for another job — players at that school get a 30-day window to freely enter the transfer portal.

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Alabama will likely lose some players and recruits as a result of his retirement, which is something to keep an eye on for LSU.