"It Feels Like A Death In The Family;" Alabama Students Visit Nick Saban Statue To Pay Respects

After 17 dominant years as head coach, students at the University of Alabama flooded Nick Saban's statue to commemorate his tenure after a sudden retirement.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — On what would typically be a picturesque winter evening, with students traversing the campus following the return to classes, the University of Alabama found itself draped in an unexpected solemnity Wednesday. The usual vibrancy gave way to a hushed atmosphere, casting a shadow over the normally bustling grounds of University Boulevard.

Nick Saban, arguably the greatest college football coach of all-time, had just retired. 

As twilight subsequently settled over the university, the energetic pulse that usually infused the campus was conspicuously quiet, leaving behind an eerie stillness that seemed to have drained the life out of every corner.

Whispers among students carried a mix of disbelief and nostalgia for the era of unparalleled success Saban had brought to the Crimson Tide. The vibrant banners that once proudly displayed championship victories now seemed to hang with a touch of melancholy, as if mourning the end of a golden chapter in the university's history.

The cold, brisk air seemed to hold a collective sigh as it billowed below the setting sun, as though the spirit of the campus itself was taking a moment to reflect on the countless victories, the defining moments, and the larger-than-life legacy that Saban had meticulously woven over the years.

In a touching display of reverence, somber groups of students gravitated towards Saban's statue on campus, each paying their silent tributes.

For some, Saban's retirement felt akin to the loss of a beloved family member, as the departure of the coaching titan left behind a void that seemed almost too profound to comprehend. 

"It feels like a death in the family," said Alabama student Preston McAlhany. "It really does. It's a similar feeling - when someone who has been apart of your life for so long just announces they're gone like that. Obviously, Saban is still alive, but it truly feels like a death in the family. It kind of hurts. You could feel a dark cloud kind of sweep over campus the second the announcement was made."

Outside Bryant-Denny Stadium, #Alabama fans have placed oatmeal cream pies and coke at the bottom of Nick Saban’s statue.

Somber aura around the University’s campus. pic.twitter.com/k60pBCj6jK

— Mathey Gibson (@Mathey_Gibson1) January 10, 2024

For McAlhany, emotions were moved to the point of physical action — giving the statue an embrace of gratitude.

"We have people coming out here putting down roses and little-debbie cakes, and coca-colas and all sorts of stuff," McAlhany said. "But I came here just to give him a hug. Just tell him thank you. Even though he's alive, it feels like he's here sometimes."

Drawn by a bittersweet nostalgia, many lingered near Saban's statue not only to pay tribute, but to absorb the gravity of the moment itself. 

"I just wanted to be near Saban," said Alabama student Alex Hinojosa. "See his seven national championships right here. Six with us, seven total. Just be near the stadium too. It's sad, honestly."

Among the gathering, a palpable sense of uncertainty hung in the air, as many students exchanged questioning glances, collectively pondering what the future held for the Crimson Tide. 

"Look, I mean, Saban, one of his many legacies he'll leave behind is the coaching tree," said Alabama student Nathaniel Linderman. "I'm hoping we get one of those guys. Oregon's coach [Dan Lanning] has been thrown around a lot. I want [Lane] Kiffin. [Steve] Sarkisian. Dabo [Sweeney] maybe. One of those."

One student appeared nervous about the future yet exuded a quiet confidence, believing in the Crimson Tide's resilience and expressing confidence in the athletic department's decision making process. 

"I'm kind of nervous, because I know that everybody's been saying for the past 17 years 'we want 'bama,' 'we want to beat the gold standard,' and now all of the fish are going to smell blood in the water," said Alabama student Luke Williamson. "It's going to be a feeding frenzy, but I think that the administration is going to make the right choice with the new head coach. Whoever they pick."

While Greg Byrne and the administration's coaching decision looms large, Saban's strategic groundwork assures fans that the Crimson Tide is well-prepared for the next chapter. Eager anticipation fills the air, signifying that, even in the face of change, the culture of triumph and resilience instilled by Saban will undoubtedly guide Alabama towards a promising future in the wake of an unprecedented dynasty. 

The tributes at the Saban statue have blossomed far beyond the original original oatmeal creme pie box and Coke bottle placed at the statue’s feet pic.twitter.com/esBT4boaTh

— Katie Windham (@katiewindham_) January 11, 2024

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Social Media Reacts to Nick Saban's Shocking Retirement