Nick Saban, considered among the greatest college football coaches of all time who won seven national titles, six of them at Alabama, has informed the Crimson Tide that he is retiring, sources told ESPN's Chris Low on Wednesday.
Saban, 72, just completed his 17th season at Alabama, which ended in a loss to eventual national champion Michigan in the Rose Bowl. In 17 seasons, he won 201 games -- tied with Vince Dooley (Georgia) for the second-most wins at a single school in SEC history, behind only Bear Bryant, who won 232 games in his 25 seasons with Alabama.
Saban won more games in 17 seasons at Alabama (201) than the Crimson Tide won in the 24 seasons between Bryant's retirement and Saban's hiring at Alabama (171).
In his 28 years as a college head coach -- a career that included seven national championships, 12 conference titles (11 SEC, 1 MAC) and 19 bowl game wins -- Saban never had a losing season. His worst seasons were in 1996 and 1998 at Michigan State(finished .500).
Smart guy. Knows to quit when he's ahead, at the top of his game.