Nick Saban Named Finalist for Dodd Trophy

Saban is one of five finalists for the award given each year to the FBS football coach that best embodies the three pillars of success — scholarship, leadership and integrity.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama head coach Nick Saban has been named as a finalist for the 2023 Dodd Trophy, given each year to the FBS football coach that best embodies the three pillars of success — scholarship, leadership and integrity.

Saban is one of five finalists, along with Washington's Kalen DeBoer, Missouri's Eliah Drinkwitz, Arizona's Jedd Fisch and Florida State's Mike Norvell.

Saban has led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff for the eighth time in 10 years. Alabama lost its second game of the season before putting together 11 straight wins, including an SEC championship victory over then-No. 1 Georgia.

Saban is also a finalist for the Bear Bryant Award and the Eddie Robinson Award.

The Dodd Trophy has been around since 1976, with two Alabama coaches winning the award in its 47-year history — Bill Curry in 1989 and Saban in 2014.

Tulane's Willie Fritz won the award last year.

The Crimson Tide began preparations for No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl over the weekend. With a win, Alabama will have a chance at the program's 19th national title.

Saban is responsible for six of those, leading the Crimson Tide to national championship seasons in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2020.

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