Nick Saban Retiring? It's Official .. the Goat is gone

[Jack Bourbon]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[Jack Bourbon]

Oooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(late to the party)

How could you guys let this happen???

 

[Crimson Speed]

I was in Tuscaloosa today seeing a few customers. I always drive by the stadium on my way out to town. I wouldn’t have thought it would be the last time I saw BDS with him still the Coach.
Edit: I had lunch at Baumhower’s at the bar. I was sitting by a blonde guy with a visor and shades on. He introduced himself as Joey Freshwater. 😀

Ha.

 

[Crimson Speed]

Lanning just doesn’t do it for me but, if that is the next coach, go prove me wrong.

I’d at least call Sark and make him say no. I doubt he would leave Texas but, I’d still make the call.

There is too much money in Texas to get him.

 

[CrimsonCleanse]

We would get blown out of the water if we got into a bidding war with Texas

 

[Jack Bourbon]

Man it seems like yesterday when Moore hired Saban. Almost 20 years ago. I swear, and no one will believe me, that after a couple of coaching search whiffs I watched Sabans Dolphin press conference, sensed his frustration, and thought to myself “maybe he goes back to college and if so there's a chance it could be Alabama”

And then it happened, and sent the bama hater media into a tailspin, and the rest is history. Loved watching those a-holes have to eat that then—as well as year after year, championship after championship after that.

I’ve lived lots of places since then, and dragged friends who knew little of Saban or SEC football to the sports bar to watch Bama games (even in big 10 country, ie chicago), and even they got sucked in to the spectacle of football under Saban. Jordan-esque. The Saban retirement reminds me a lot of Jordan retiring—same stomach punch feeling.

Epic run.

 

[rolltide_21]

The eeyores are strong in this one…..

 

[Crimson Speed]

Many are speculating its Kiffin

I think Kiffin would jump on that opportunity. However, not so sure that he left us on the best of terms.

 

[rolltd]

I'm 67 yr old, been through Bryant, Stallings and Saban. What a time. Thanks for the ride. Looking forward for more . Roll Tide

 

[CrimsonCleanse]

Ray Perkins said Bama fans would need to get used to 9-3 kind of seasons when he took over after The Bear. I can remember going through the roof when I heard that

 

[CoolBreeze]

Before the ridiculous probations that began in 1995, Alabama was 3rd all time on both the all time wins list as well as winning percentage.

No, Nick Saban is not “the program.” We will be fine. But he is the greatest of all time, so the pace we’ve been on is inevitably going to fall off. Adding Texas and OU will make the SEC more difficult. 12 team playoff. NIL and Portal. The pace was probably dropping off regardless. But Alabama isn’t turning into South Carolina.

You missed the mood of my message but yea, you are correct. But the decline short term is steeper than anyone here wants to see right now.

 

[Bamaatthebeach]

I think Kiffin would jump on that opportunity. However, not so sure that he left us on the best of terms.

He didn't. I wasn't there personally but family was.

 

[CrimsonCleanse]

Dang....I'm really struggling with this one. I was around when The Bear announced his retirement and it was a somber day..But this one is different.

 

[merino]

Do you think that Saban discussed his retirement with Bill Belichick, who is also contemplating the same? Would not be surprised if Bill announces his departure in the next week or so.

 

[Bamaatthebeach]

I heard the news shortly after it broke today. Was at work.

Coach Saban, THANK YOU for everything you brought to Bama!

For those of us who remember the 90s and then the early 2000s, misery seemed to multiply. I remember wondering if Alabama would ever seriously contend for a national title again in my lifetime, and I wasn't even 40 yet.

Then look at what happened. The greatest college football coach of all time (yes, Bryant didn't have to deal with anything close to what happened in modern times, so Saban wins in my book) comes in here and delivers us six national titles. He is the GOAT. Thank you for putting Mike Price, Dennis Franchione, etc in the rear view mirror and establishing the ground work for positive things to come. RTR!

 

[Bamafan23]

I still can't believe it. Knew it would come one day, but tonight I'm still stunned. What an awesome ride it's been, 17 years. Incredible memories. I'd love to meet Coach Saban and thank him in person.

I’m also curious if there will be a retirement press conference. His released statement makes me think no.

Roll Tide Forever

 

[BigAlinKnoxville]

The real question is, who do quarterback's now have to beat to win the Heisman...?

 

[CrimsonCleanse]

I remember where I was January 26, 1983 and I'll always remember where I was January 10, 2024. Although the former was the news of The Bear's passing, the feeling is the same. But, I can take solace in knowing that Coach Saban will get to enjoy retirement. Bryant, sadly, was too far gone health wise by the time he hung it up. So he didn't get to see what retirement was like. But CNS definitely will

 

[rolltide_21]

I was @ Coach Saban’s first game in 2007 vs. Western Carolina. The energy was off the charts. Then, I hoped Bama could win the division, 1-2 SEC titles and just play for a NC. And for goodness sake BEAT AUBURN. Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined what was coming in the next 17 seasons. This era has created a lot of great memories with family and friends watching games together in BDS and at home. What. A. Ride. Are we Bama fans arrogant? You better believe it. It’s because in two different eras we knew we were the best and led by the best.

 

[CrimsonCleanse]

This feels like a dream. I keep trying to wake up but can't 😔