John David Mercer-Imagn Images

Alabama Lost Staggering Amount of Money After Nick Saban Departure

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Jan 17, 2025 8:15 PM ET

Just over a year ago longtime Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced his stunning retirement from college football.

After a brief coaching search, the school landed on Washington's Kalen DeBoer to lead the program after he led the Huskies to a national title appearance. The Crimson Tide suffered a drop off on the field, going just 9-4 in DeBoer's first season - capped off with an embarrassing loss to the Michigan Wolverines.

As the Tide transitioned from the legendary Saban, who brought six national titles to Tuscaloosa, to DeBoer, the program - and the school - suffered a staggering financial loss.

According to a report from 247Sports, the University of Alabama reported a $27.9 million loss for the athletics department during the 2023-24 fiscal year. Total operating revenues were $234 million and total operating expenses were $262 million.

"The net loss reported for the year was largely due to one-time expenses associated with the football coaching transition," the school said in its report.

Here's more about the football program's finances, which posted a profit, but at a significant loss year-over-year.

Alabama's football program made a $26.4 million profit, which was down from a $46 million profit in 2023 and $52 million profit in 2022. Football operating revenues increased from $129 million in 2023 to $140 million in 2024, but football operating expenses increased from $83 million to $113 million.

Alabama spent $65 million on coaches' salaries, which included $47 million for the football program alone following the exit of Saban. The athletics department posted a $12 million loss in 2022-23.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: