Nick Saban’s journey chronicled from a local gas station to Alabama | College Football on ESPN

Nick Saban’s story begins in West Virginia, where his father wanted nothing more for him than to avoid working in the coal mines. From working at a family-owned gas station and playing youth football, Saban and those closest to him chronicle his journey to coaching Alabama Crimson Tide football.
Watch the finale of “Saturdays in the South: A History of SEC Football” on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
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[@tomgreen8390]

Someone once asked Nick if he'd run for Governor of Alabama, his reply was why would I want a demotion . The man is a god in Alabama.

[@RTRPatriot]

Tom Green That doesn’t really sound like something Coach Saban would say....

[@therealfronzilla]

That was Bear that said that

[@3finger10]

He a midget....

[@3finger10]

Bill W Who? O you mean that old fart drunk that the Bammers keep digging up. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@therealfronzilla]

@@3finger10 weak trolling man, you're trying to hard

[@jbritton823]

A super inspiring man. I may hate Bama, but can’t deny his greatness! Edit: Thanks for all the likes! I love seeing historic careers!

[@lloydkline3265]

Nick Saban is a nice and legendary tactician , brilliant strategiest football coach

[@205impala]

Roll tide

[@landenridings3209]

Saban is great but Geaux Tigers

[@wayneedward7391]

@Starling H. He never cheats or breaks NCAA violations he just has a system that people want to make him happy so they work hard for him sometimes there not always happy with his expectations but they always over preform for him

[@nikkic.8012]

Alabama's Ole St. Nick!! It's a huge honor and privelage to have him as our head coach. I hope he stays with us for many more season's too!! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!! 🐘🏈🐘🏈🐘🏈🐘🏈🐘🏈

[@markshelton5321]

A true player’s coach. We will long treasure these days. RTR...

[@Coonass]

🐘

[@brendenwright9576]

He's not a players coach if you know the meaning of that saying

[@bfyrestone3059]

As a LSU fan nothing but respect for the greatness of Saban.

[@sadiesadiemarriedlady7900]

We are so blessed to have Coach Saban and Ms Terry as citizens of Alabama. Their tireless work through Nick’s Kids has supported numerous charities such as Children’s Hospital of Birmingham and Habitat for Humanity. Many thanks!!

[@poppyneese1811]

Living my whole life in West Virginia, we might not have much compared to our Ohio, Pennsylvania or Virginia neighbors, but we were raised we’re all Gods Children, Black White Rich Poor Brilliant or a little Slow, we’re family, proud of what Nick did well for the great State of Alabama and proud he’s from West Virginia!!!

[@rjchavers9267]

💛

[@puesbien]

Saban, Bowden, West, Moss

[@MemestiffGaming]

West Virginia to this day is one of the most beautiful places I've visited

[@waynewilliams5802]

Hey mane John Denver sang bout west Virginia bone. Be being a good song

[@spconrad9612]

Neighbor from across the Ohio. We made fun of your state as a kid, but much respect for our coal mining neighbors.

[@billclinton2094]

I’m a auburn fan I hate bama but I can’t lie he is literally the greatest coach of all time and a great person

[@wandaryals971]

First Name Last Name Hate is a 4 letter word thrown around on here quite a bit! I am a Bama fan, but have a respect for My opponent! Teams are made up of “young men” that have a passion for whomever they play for! How can I hate?

[@billclinton2094]

Wanda Ryals yeah I dislike bama

[@wandaryals971]

@@billclinton2094 Roll Tide

[@billclinton2094]

Wanda Ryals War Eagle 🦅

[@Coonass]

Yes, we know...🐘😎

[@WVUmazza]

West Virginia loves Saban. Let’s go Mountaineers and Roll Tide.

[@RonnieGOAT13]

RTR!!!!🐘🐘🐘🐘

[@sneakyquick]

The greatest thing that has ever happened to the state of Alabama. So thankful for him and what he has done for the school, the state, and demanding excellence from his players and it makes all of us do better as a state.

[@mossbergshockwave9629]

You reaching it's football calm down

[@joshprice2571]

@@mossbergshockwave9629 I would agree with you but it is Alabama 😂 We have nothing. Nick Saban is the ONLY great thing in Alabama.

[@abdraoufabusoua8004]

As a Clemson fan , I have ton of respect to this man .

[@genepaulk6902]

Nick's daddy had to be one fine man !!! He would be proud of Nick !!! 🐘 Roll Tide Roll 🐘

[@jmua8450]

I love and appreciate Coach Saban not just for bringing back Alabama Football, but for how he transformed the University itself and brought pride back to the state of Alabama. A winner in the truest sense.

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

This is what makes Saban the GOAT. “Keep doing it until you can’t do it wrong.” Ask any of the guys.

[@JC-sm2in]

Rings or not, what a story! Congrats Nick Saban on a successful career!

[@DerrekGarcia]

God bless Coach Saban

[@douglascasey3486]

I've been a Bama fan since I was young in the Bear Bryant days. I also grew up in the coal fields of South West Virginia. I always liked Saban, but now I really respect him knowing his story and who he is as a person.

[@listenandreadcarefully9154]

We all love you Nick Saban

[@jesusaguila3336]

Best college football coach of all time

[@bigrich6750]

Just listening to Coach Saban talk to the media and players has made me a better man and I’m 65, but still trying to be a better person even though I’ve long passed my prime.

[@thein3ation563]

Coming from an Auburn fan, Nick Saban is one of the greatest if the not the greatest college coach ever.

[@phillipmars74]

I love the Crimson Tide and may be bias. But I always tell my friends and co-workers that you must appreciate greatness when you see it. It is so rare and that man is the greatest coach ever. He is just greatness there is no other words I can think of to describe it.

[@gearin69]

I have the greatest respect for Coach Saban! He has earned his way into the history books as probably the greatest of all time coaches! But more than that he is a compassionate human being! He truly cares for others! I’ve had two great coaches in my life that helped to shape who I am today! I only wish he could have been one of them! Roll Tide!

[@chrisullery3386]

Nothing but respect for coach Saban!

[@paidinfull5950]

Roll Tide, I’m gunna hate to see him go, and not just for the football team. But I’ve learned a lot from the stuff he says. He has such great character.

[@CallOfApache]

As a oklahoma fan this while video made me like nick Saban a little more! Definitely one of the greatest coaches ever!

[@IamBuffal0]

Super inspiring, Nick!

[@chrislane5145]

people hate Saban because he has a relentless drive that others are too lazy to comprehend

[@3finger10]

Chris Lane He’s gay....

[@chrislane5145]

@@3finger10 thanks for proving my point

[@highflyerkb2419]

OU fan, but Saban is a living legend.

[@JayeNovemberComedy]

Coach Saban a good person and coach..I enjoyed working as strength and Conditioning coach intern at Alabama...roll tide baby

[@rjchavers9267]

I actually love the way he handles the media...makes me laugh, he's a pro!

[@jeffosborne1147]

One of the all time greats of coaching football. Proud to have him here in Tuscaloosa, al. We need us another championship. Best of luck

[@loftyLP42]

Coming from a gator I love nick he’s an amazing man and coach never forgot we’re he came from

[@samuelcrenshaw7405]

Wow! I have so much respect for Coach Saban! He’s an inspiration for me to be better!

[@sweethomealabama1369]

HIS DAD WAS BIG NICK❤.. NOW NICK SABAN IS THE BIGGER NICK🏈. ROLL TIDE FOREVER . HE IS NOW AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST COACH AROUND HE IS MAKING HISTORY DAILY.🏈🐘❤🏈

[@alexisgonzalez444]

Penny For Your Thoughts keep it a stack, that was mad corny

[@3finger10]

Bammers suck.....

[@Percent-ed2el]

Not the best

[@NoCumBacksiFunny]

Bellichick is the greatest and it’s who taught Saban

[@joshblocker9653]

I like how he points out working at a service station you have to pay attention to detail I think this is a perfect example of anything in life

[@redshead2369]

Coming from a wvu fan I love Nick saban is the best ever no one will do what this man have done

[@youngestmac]

May be a LSU fan but got nothing but respect man! Great coach

[@brentleclaire3655]

Truly an amazing man off the field as well

[@Tony-5000]

He came to Louisiana and made us better...made us matter. He left for the NFL, and then went to Alabama. I have no anger or hate at him for this. He helped us raise our standard. He never talks bad of LSU, it's (sometimes disrespectful) fans, or our state. Nick has class and I think he is one of the best college football coaches ever. Thanks Nick for passing through Louisiana. GEAUX TIGERS 👍💜 💛💜 💛💜 💛💜 💛

[@zichragland8880]

The Alabama football history and Nick were/are a great marriage.

[@phyllisburns9213]

Wisdom Knowledge and Understanding. Coach works hard to put those three in the Team. Roll Tide

[@donaldreaves3533]

That explains everything...it's about effort, the little things and practicing with a purpose

[@lakes26mi]

Class act! That’s why he’s an amazing coach!

[@johmsparks9708]

He has raised the standard for college football. Greatest coach in college football, coming from an Auburn fan. Hope we can catch up.

[@joevsfood]

From a Longhorn: respect Nick. You're the best to ever do it.

[@zackissauce]

I don’t know why people hate, just respect his greatness and how year afterbirth year no matter what he’s able to produce

[@jungleharmony_]

rest in peace, mr. marbury 🙏

[@a9029k]

Tristan Lindsey he passed away?

[@flowerpowerbryan5068]

In June Tristan

[@KtO680]

Indeed. For me and many others, Professor Marbury was and still is our hometown hero. He died at the beginning of July this year. Just 5 days before I got to go home and hopefully have a chat with him. He was an amazing, intelligent, and inspiring human being.

[@a9029k]

Katie Orwig- Had he been ill for some time?

[@KtO680]

@@a9029k He did have cancer, but so does just about everyone there. He died suddenly in July, not sure of the actual cause. My mom still lives there and she just told me he had been sick for about a year.

[@frameentertainment3730]

I’m a Auburn fan, but great respect for Nick.

[@storio6893]

Auburn fan but that was still an amazing story

[@LHOwnsYhu]

G.O.A.T 🐐 hands down.

[@23rogue75]

Facts

[@mitchconner2021]

To be fair, getting a D in music class for not wanting to sing is alot different than failing math or literature or science lol but hey it made Nick Saban into one of the best college football coaches ever.

[@mrqh406]

It's wild how you can dislike a person, whom coach and destroy your favorite teams ...but at the end of the day, how a person is ,is due in part towards their upbringing and humble beginnings.

[@nbajrue2270]

i love you nick

[@dylanvance7543]

Old West Virginia boy

[@KevinCummingsFitness]

The greatest coach from the greatest state

[@ohioagainsttheworld676]

I could maybe agree with the coach part, but HAHAHAHA to the rest...

[@bestcoastsxmcp]

Sh1thole state. 😂

[@callmen4]

@@ohioagainsttheworld676 He meant where he's from... And Ohio is probably worst than Alabama anyways. I live there and it's a POS state full of crackheads and retards

[@GingerLeeH]

Greatest of all Time

[@divefraggle]

Ironic how Alabama was trying to get the West Virginia coach (Rich Rodriguez) at the time, but he turned them down. As a result, they ended up really pushing for Nick Saban and got him. Thank you Rich Rodriguez.

[@PeaceFan1]

Bear Bryant would be PROUD... ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!! xoxoxoxo

[@truthseeker9688]

Amazing man.

[@jameswills4962]

When hard work meant something

[@candyapu3]

Boomer

[@jdubski5690]

candyapu3 loser

[@richfairclough123]

James Wills.... hard work still means something.... the generation before always say the next as it easy.... ok your working hard but it ain’t the Great Depression, ok it’s the Great Depression but still better than the civil war, ok it’s the civil war but we aren’t fighting the British, ok we’re fighting the British but we don’t have an Indian problem etc etc

[@briangreen256]

Who would give this story a thumbs down! Whoever you are,you have no soul👍

[@btetschner]

Very interesting, thank you for the video.

[@waypoet2609]

Alabama is always so good because they work harder than everyone else , according to Calvin Ridley they sometimes barley have days off

[@Sean-jb5gi]

He learned a Valuable lesson in the NFL. The players expect to be paid and its not an enticement like it is in CFB.

[@hamburgerdan101]

He should coach at West Virginia that would be cool

[@23rogue75]

Nah he belongs to the sec

[@Malitubee]

I swear Saban inspires me to be great

[@loftyLP42]

malik gilmore right

[@3finger10]

Your stupid....

[@shanemarcotte2062]

@@3finger10 "you're"........stupid.

[@Malitubee]

Shane Marcotte Exactly lol

[@bleachedbeast5384]

Fun fact: in college he was the teammate of pro football hall of famer Jack Lambert

[@enniswhalen2428]

B B - So the coach was at Kent State at the time of the turmoil?

[@slayert-rav5835]

Im a wvu fan but a lil bit inside of me is a Alabama fan bc of nick go mountaineers.... and "really quietly" roll tide

[@PermacultureLongboarder]

Wish yall were in the SEC instead of Missery. I mean yall even fit in well.

[@wdholm5453]

Saban paid his dues. He wasn't always a good coach. At Michigan State he did ok. Plus God raises them up from poor places into the kings palaces. Apparent he came from humble beginnings. Praise God for his success!!!

[@alberto6855]

Nick Saban the 🐐

[@duvalbt5091]

RollTide 🐘🐘

[@michaelbrown7561]

Excellent!

[@crazyanimegamer5667]

Nick Sabans dad is what parents today need to start acting like before this generation gets even worse.

[@roguekoala71]

AGREED!

[@RosteeveBellier]

Dats the thing, it’s never gonna happen, this generation is so sensitive

[@cooperbutfiloski4496]

Boomer alert

[@therealfronzilla]

@@RosteeveBellier 100%. My dad raised my brothers like that. It's not just about self respect, but respecting others and thinking enough of them to push them to their limits not because you hate them, but because you love them and want them to be ready for how hard life can be.

[@therealfronzilla]

@Sexycountryboy has nothing to do with money

[@mickeypowell1600]

A feel good story to be sure. His father did a fantastic job of making Nick the success that he is.

[@Achromania]

After hearing the story about the coal mines, the way Nick treats his players, and to a slightly lesser extent his coaches, makes perfect sense. He's determanted to save them from a fate of poverty and hardship the way his father saved him. Sometimes people need the push. Maybe "St Nick" is a little much, but he's definitely a good man.

[@donkesterson1517]

I lived in Parkersburg, Idolized Kerry Marbury growing up. I went to the State Championship game, which was held in Parkersburg to see Marbury only to find out many years later about Saban being on that time. Funny how the world changes not many will remember Marbury went to WVU and was an outstanding back, later played in the Canadian football league but now everybody know Nick Saban

[@Skippz2282]

I hate bama but dammit I got love and respect for you Saban ✊🏽

[@stevewilson7857]

Come back home Nick. West Virginia needs you.

[@bamakidd4954]

Nope he's fine where he is

[@gabe5946]

What a guy!

[@gingerfuller4775]

Awww my ❤

[@Hobbstar]

big nick is a youth football coaching legend

[@royfairchild6895]

Gator fan: Nick Saban is the greatest coach of all time

[@3finger10]

Wrong.....

[@bdkane721]

Just more reasons to think Saban is the best coach in College Football and possibly the best coach ever. As a Penn State alum and Paterno fan, I thought I knew who the best coach was. But I have been convinced year after year, that Saban is a better all around coach and deserves every dollar and accolade he gets. I enjoy watching Saban's teams and how he conducts himself. Great job Coach Saban and Roll Tide!

[@TidePrideMan]

Nick Saban molds boys into men, he cares more about their success after they stop playing football and tries to prepare them for the next 40 years of their lives. He is indeed the greatest coach in football history.

[@andyschneider6125]

Nick Sabin you are the man. ( ROLL TIDE).!

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

Saban* It’s astound at the number of fans who can’t even spell the GOAT’s name. RTR

[@roadrules3671]

After watching this video; I now KNOW why Alabama wins so much. His players believe in Nick Saban; and what he tells them.

[@masonlovesroblox]

Last night, I watched Nick Saban become, without dispute, the greatest college football coach of all time. Breaking “Bear” Bryant’s record is something I never thought I’d live long enough to see. I’m a BAMA fan and a BAMA grad so I may be a little bias. I’ve learned so much from listening to Saban. I heard Nick Saban once say, “You don’t practice until you get it right. You practice until you can no longer get it wrong.” I tell my kids that before and after each and every practice. ROLL TIDE!

[@leavethelandalone835]

He is the GOAT!

[@tylersouthard9299]

Here’s a fact I always thought was crazy. Nick Saban has more National Championship wins at Alabama ( he began coaching in 2007) than home losses.

[@ChristopherX30]

You sure about that??

[@tylersouthard9299]

ChristopherX30 100% positive. Want to fact check me bud? Go for it

[@mattdaggett3695]

Awesome

[@jayden12242]

🐐

[@bjgolden304]

I wish he would coach WVU because I want to see us win a chip before I die.

[@ji4834]

SAINT NICK 😇 ROLLL TIDEEE ROLLL

[@garystevenson6582]

We aren’t a pipeline state for Football players but WV has Produced a lot of Great college football coaches. Nick Saban is arguably the greatest college football coach of all time. No argument in him being the greatest since the AP was established. The only other coach that can be argued is Knute Rockne.

[@vincentestone5764]

Startin to like Coach SABAN. I really knew He was a 😎guy when He helped Coaches SARK & KIFFIN. It's probably because BAMA has monopolized The College 🏈 Seen. Gotta give Him His.

[@leonardschofield9913]

A reckoning

[@vaughnamir.6457]

I know it's popular to hate Bama (I'm from New York so I have no stake in them winning or losing), but I want to see Saban break the record for most championships. Whenever someone is on the cusp of greatness, I want them to finish the journey positively.... But not this year. I'm hoping Penn State could pull it off.

[@lawsondurbin26]

I hate Bama with a passion but Nick Sabin is by far one of the greatest college football coaches ever. WAR EAGLE

[@beckd02]

Saban is the best. Just to add another twist, another famous person came from the same area where Saban grew up. A small little lady named Mary Lou Retton.

[@tyvontoles3472]

The goat