TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Nick Saban made Alabama’s traditional pre-game “Walk of Champions” through throngs of cheering fans one more time.
This time the coach who led the Crimson Tide to six national championships in 17 seasons went through doors underneath a sign declaring it “Saban Field.” He also made the short stroll with wife Terry and grandson James instead of his players and coaches.
Alabama officially unveiled a new sign bearing the new name “Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium” hours before the fourth-ranked Tide hosted South Florida, with an on-field celebration following at halftime surrounded by his family with ovations and fans chanting his name.
“This is a great honor to have the field named after the legacy that we’ve been able to create here,” Saban told the gathered fans, wearing his familiar gray suit and crimson tie.
“But I want this legacy to represent every player who played, who worked hard, every coach who helped those players develop, our administration who set a foundation where we had a chance to be successful.”
Successful is an understatement.
Saban, who announced his retirement from coaching in January, led Alabama to a 206-29 on-the-field record and nine SEC titles, holding the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll at some point in a record 15 consecutive seasons. The old record of seven was held by Miami.
Saban now works for ESPN and holds an office at the stadium, where he had previously been honored with a statue. He was replaced by former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer.
Bryant-Denny Stadium is named after longtime president George Denny, who took over in 1912, and late football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
Alabama’s enrollment grew from 25,580 in Saban’s first year, 2007, to 39,623 in the latest academic year, the university has said. Saban noted that football and athletics in general are “the window that people look (through) at this university.”
“And the impact that we are able to have by having successful programs has elevated our university,” he said. “And I’m proud of the fact that we were able to contribute to that in so many ways.”
Saban and wife Terry spoke at the ceremony before making the brief walk toward the stadium.
“Their legacy will endure here at the University of Alabama for generations to come,” University President Stuart Bell said.
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