Alabama leaders express gratitude for Nick Saban's influence on and off the field

Leaders in Alabama paid tribute to Nick Saban as news broke Wednesday that the University of Alabama football coach plans to retire.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox praised Saban for his success in Tuscaloosa, both on and off the playing field.

"It’s impossible to express Tuscaloosa’s gratitude for Coach Saban," Maddox said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Beyond unparalleled successes and countless championship trophies, Coach and Ms. Terry helped rebuild our community after the April 27, 2011 tornado and shaped our next generation through Nick’s Kids Foundation."

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, who graduated from the University of Alabama and is married to former Crimson Tide offensive lineman Wesley Britt, said Saban accomplished "the greatest coaching job in the history of athletics" and congratulated him on a "remarkable career."

In an emailed statement, Britt also pointed out the role that Terry Saban played in her husband's success.

"The Sabans’ legacy will be defined by the countless number of lives they changed for the better," Britt said. "Always generous of their time, talent, and resources, consistently conducting themselves with class, character, and grace, Miss Terry and Coach Saban modeled the way for generations to follow — while bonding generations of Alabamians and Crimson Tide fans together across the daunting divides that define much of our day and age.

"We truly owe the Sabans an immeasurable amount of gratitude," she said.

Gov. Kay Ivey, an Auburn University graduate, even gave a rare "Roll Tide" in a tribute to Saban.

"Nick Saban will go down as one of the best in college football, and in Alabama, in our culture, that means something," Ivey said on X. "He and Terry are also tremendous Alabamians who have given so much to the Tuscaloosa community and our entire state. For you, Coach, I’ll say: Roll Tide!"

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who coached against Saban while he led the Auburn football program, said Saban's accomplishments may never be equaled and he congratulated him on a well-earned retirement.

"I have always admired his focus and his dedication to the game of football, to his players, and to the state of Alabama. College football fans everywhere will miss Nick Saban on the sidelines every Saturday," Tuberville said in a statement released by his office.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said Saban built a legacy of integrity during his time in Tuscaloosa. 

"Nick Saban coached countless young men to be outstanding athletes and men of character," Ainsworth said on X. "Congratulations, Coach Saban, on a legendary tenure at the University of Alabama. The entire state appreciates your contributions to the University and the Tuscaloosa community."

Jim Page Jr. , the former president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama said Saban was an economic force who also made Tuscaloosa a better place.

"Seeing firsthand, for 11 years, the impact Coach Saban and Miss Terry had on (the city of Tuscaloosa)  was a blessing," said Page, who is now vice president of MartinFederal Consulting in Huntsville, on X. "...  landing Coach Saban is one of the biggest economic development wins in the history of the State of Alabama."

UA President Stuart R. Bell praised Saban while assuring supporters that that the university will "work tirelessly to ensure our proud tradition and standard of excellence continues in football."

"Words cannot adequately express our appreciation for his exemplary leadership and service to the University of Alabama over the past 17 years," Bell said about Saban in a message to students, faculty and staff.

"We are grateful for the lasting impact he has made on the lives of our student-athletes and the incredible memories his teams have created for our students, alumni, fans and supporters," he said. "Coach Saban and Ms. Terry are tremendous ambassadors for the University of Alabama and our community and we celebrate their many contributions and indelible legacy."

Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: 'The greatest': Alabama leaders praise Nick Saban's legacy as coach