Social Media Reacts to Nick Saban's Shocking Retirement

Alabama head coach Nick Saban retired on Wednesday after a dominant 17-year run, and social media was buzzing.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama head coach Nick Saban is planning to retire according to ESPN's Chris Low and multiple sources. 

Saban retires with a college record of 292-71-1 — with 201 of those victories coming at the University of Alabama. 

After the announcement, fans, pundits, coaches and players alike were quick to chime in on the legendary coach's decision.

Former Players React:

• 2009 National Championship Quarterback Greg McElroy:

The Greatest of All Time. 🐐 https://t.co/tTGapztxiq

— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) January 10, 2024

• All-American Linebacker Dont'a Hightower: 

• Terrion Arnold, who recently declared for the NFL draft

The waves of your influence will be felt for years to come. You’ve poured so much of yourself into so many of us, now it’s time to take care of you and most importantly Mrs. Terry. Thank you for all you have done for me coach! #Lank pic.twitter.com/q9Yw2tqUmy

— Terrion Arnold (@ArnoldTerrion) January 10, 2024

• Alabama's first Heisman winner, running back Mark Ingram. Saban also coached his father at Michigan State

Coach Saban is the GOAT!! Thanks for believing in a young man from Flint, Michigan. Helped me become a champion on the field, but more importantly a champion in LIFE. Enjoy retirement Coach, you earned that!! Love you Coach Saban, ROLL TIDE!! 🥹🥲 pic.twitter.com/VJ5KzUcHu3

— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) January 10, 2024

Current players:

• Redshirt freshman linebacker Yhonzae Pierre

Pundits: 

• ESPN analyst and former LSU defensive-lineman Booger McFarland:

Tip of the hat to the GOAT. Always made the 2nd Saturday in November special https://t.co/tUTQePu3T7

— Booger (@ESPNBooger) January 10, 2024

• ESPN and College GameDay's Kirk Herbstreit

Wow!!
Surprised but not shocked by Coach Saban stepping down. Best to ever do it. From 2008-2023 he compiled a record of 199-16!!!! That’s an average of 12 wins in the last 16 seasons. As consistent and good as the sport has ever seen!
Thank you coach for all you put into the…

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) January 10, 2024

Coaches: 

• Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze:

Hard to express how much Nick and Ms Terri have meant to Jill and I as friends and you have forever set the mark for many to chase in this profession. Enjoy Retirement!!

— Hugh Freeze (@CoachHughFreeze) January 10, 2024

• Texas head coach and former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian

The 2 GOAT’s! Would not be where I am today without these two men as mentors! Thank you for everything! pic.twitter.com/JTJCgOdYbN

— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) January 10, 2024

• Colorado head coach, and Saban's Aflac commercial co-star Deion Sanders 

WOW! College Football just lost the GOAT to retirement. WOW! I knew it would happen 1 day soon but not this soon. The game has change so much that it chased the GOAT away. College football let's hold up our mirrors and say HONESTLY what u see. #CoachPrime @CUBuffsFootball

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) January 10, 2024

• Former Auburn head coach and current UCF coach Gus Malzahn

It was a true honor to coach against you throughout the years. Enjoy your retirement! pic.twitter.com/Lju1bGBCi9

— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) January 10, 2024

Meanwhile down in Auburn...

Nick Saban is retiring and we've got Rolling Toomer's in progress pic.twitter.com/VTVitybLoF

— Matt Cohen (@Matt_Cohen_) January 10, 2024

This story will be updated

See More: 

Report: Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban to Retire