Football world reacts to Alabama HC Nick Saban's stunning decision to retire
Legendary head coach Nick Saban shocked the college football world, announcing his retirement on Jan. 10. Unsurprisingly, social media was buzzing with reactions to the unexpected news.
Over 28 seasons at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU and Alabama, Saban amassed 297 wins to only 71 losses (one tie). After such an unbelievable ride, his decision to finally step away from the sidelines at 72 years old offered many a chance to show appreciation.
At Alabama alone, Saban was a five-time Coach of the Year, recording 206 wins, 11 SEC championships and six national titles, all while producing 124 NFL Draft selections. While showered with love from fans and those who covered him, many former players also weighed in.
Saban's retirement is earth-shattering news for college football. It's also a seismic shift in college football, especially at Alabama.
Once word of his retirement broke, the overwhelming response featured endless thank yous, celebrating an unfathomable number of accomplishments. However, others highlighted what the news meant for the Crimson Tide program in the aftermath while pitying the poor soul tapped as Saban's successor.
Time waits for no man, and in Saban's case, he felt it was the right time to step away. Whether or not the changing landscape of college football prompted the move or not, what's not up for debate is his importance to not only the college game but football as a whole.
His greatness is undeniable, and after nearly three decades of proving it, Saban walks away as arguably the most successful football coach in collegiate history.
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