Instant Reaction: Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban Retires

The BamaCentral staff's initial thoughts on the retirement of the Crimson Tide's legendary coach.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Shockwaves were sent through the college football world on Wednesday afternoon as it was reported that Alabama head football coach Nick Saban — considered by many to be the greatest college football coach of all time — would be retiring.

Saban retires after having won seven National Championships in total, including six as the head coach at Alabama. He holds the record for the most National Championships by a head coach in college football history.

Watch the video at the top of the page as BamaCentral's Blake Byler and Katie Windham discuss their initial reactions to Saban's retirement, what it means for Alabama, and the legacy Saban left in Tuscaloosa.

About the BamaCentral Staff:

Katie Windham: Katie Windham is the assistant editor and senior writer for BamaCentral, primarily covering football, basketball, gymnastics, softball and more. She is a two-time graduate of The University of Alabama and has covered a variety of Alabama sports since 2019 for outlets like The Tuscaloosa News, The Crimson White and the Associated Press before joining BamaCentral full time in 2021. Windham has covered College Football Playoff games, the Women's College World Series, SEC tournaments and championships in multiple sports and March Madness.

Blake Byler: Blake Byler is a staff writer for BamaCentral and primarily covers Alabama basketball and football. He has covered a wide variety of Crimson Tide sports since 2021, including golf, softball, baseball, and more. He served as the sports editor of The Crimson White while in school, and began writing full-time for BamaCentral in 2023 following his graduation from The University of Alabama. 

Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban Officially Announces Retirement