The Miami Dolphins are struggling right now and the fact that their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa exposed many internal issues is not the best of indicators of things getting fixed. In fact, Nick Saban, former coach of the signal-caller, voiced his opinion on what happened.

Speaking to Pat McAfee, Saban said, “I was really shocked that Tua did what he did, when he threw some guys under the bus. Maybe they’re not playing the way they should play, I’m not taking up for the guys, but you don’t say that about your teammate.”

Saban is a no non-sense guy, in fact, that’s one of the reasons why he is regarded as the best collegiate head coach ever. Still, he never accused any of his players of doing something wrong publicly. He knows better than that and apparently, he thought Tua knew that too.

What did Tua said?

Basically, Tua exposed that some teammates didn’t even attend players-only meetings, or that some attended but arrived late to them. He then questioned the team’s leadership. Obviously, this comment stirred the pot within the Dolphins’ building.

To be fair, Tagovailoa later apologized for his comments, but one can say the damage was already done. Once that microphone is on, everything a player said will be used for or against him. In this case, Tagovailoa’s frustration got the better of him.

Dolphins are 1-5 and with no bright future in sight

Miami visits Cleveland this Sunday and that’s one of the fiercest defenses you can face, especially when the Browns are at home. Then they visit Atlanta, who are fighting for a playoff berth. That’s followed by a short-week encounter on Thursday Night Football against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

The NFL won’t give any freebies, but the Dolphins are in a dire situation. Tua is on the scope. Mike McDaniel is on the hot seat. Everyone in Miami is struggling and the team is more headed for a rebuild than to be considered a contender.

During the 2024-25 season, the Crimson Tide finished with a 9-4 overall record and a 5-3 record in the SEC. Under the new leadership of head coach DeBoer, the team started the season strong, climbing to the No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll before suffering a loss to Vanderbilt. The season concluded with a 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31, 2024. Despite the bowl loss, the team showed promise, and their final ranking was No. 17 in the AP Poll.

In a recent conversation with the press, the legendary coach shared his thoughts on what’s to come in Tuscaloosa, envisioning a cultural shift within the successful program.

“I’ve been around the team a little bit this year at Alabama, been to practice, and I see a different culture with this group,” Saban said. “There were so many changes last year — new coaches, players leaving, players coming in. But this year, they didn’t have anybody get in the portal.

“I do think (Florida State) has been a very difficult preparation. Florida State has 13 or 14 starters out of the portal, plus they’ve got a new offensive coordinator and a new defensive coordinator. So for a first game, it’s always a tough preparation, but this one is especially difficult with all the change.”

A tough second season ahead for DeBoer

Entering his second season at the helm of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Kalen DeBoer faces a daunting set of challenges that will truly define his tenure in Tuscaloosa. After a 9-4 debut season that fell short of the program’s championship standards, DeBoer is tasked with returning the Tide to the top of the college football world.

The biggest question mark looms at the quarterback position, where he must replace the NFL-bound Jalen Milroe. While DeBoer has named junior Ty Simpson the starter, the lack of starting experience under center adds a layer of uncertainty to an offense that must find its identity.

The schedule is unforgiving, with an early road test at Florida State and a monstrous SEC matchup at Georgia on the horizon. With a top-10 defensive unit and a promising recruiting class, the talent is there, but the pressure is immense for DeBoer to make a significant leap in Year 2 and prove he can win big in the SEC.

Simpson’s excitement for what’s to come

Ty Simpson will have his first experience as starting QB at Alabama after being named Jalen Milroe’s successor for what’s ahead, and he knows the responsibility that comes with it.

“We’re going to make sure that our attention’s on Coach DeBoer and we’re going to do it his way,” Simpson said at the Manning Passing Academy.

“And that’s what I think the leaders understand is, Coach Saban’s not going to walk in here. This place is built on toughness and understands we’re doing things that nobody else does. Coach DeBoer has modeled that with his philosophies, as well, and I think we’ve had one of the best offseasons in my four years of being here.”

The talented quarterback had only one reason to stay in Tuscaloosa — and it had a name: Nick Saban. The veteran head coach’s decision to retire from professional coaching led Sayin to enter the transfer portal, a move that ultimately brought him to Ohio State.

In a recent conversation with the media, the standout poised to take over as the starter for the reigning champions revealed that he made a bold career decision — but one he’s happy with, having joined a talent-developing program that has produced stars like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud.

“When I ended up going to Alabama, I wanted to go play for Coach Saban,” Sayin said on Off Script with Zak Herbstreit. “And, you know when, he retired, I decided to transfer.

“Ohio State was just a big decision for me, and I was excited to make it, just because of the quarterback development history they’ve had with Coach Day, and, you know, the guys like Justin Fields, CJ Stroud come before, you know, they’ve done a great job with quarterbacks. And then just the talent they have at the offensive skill positions. It was definitely a great decision for me, and I couldn’t be happier.”

The QB battle at Ohio State

Will Howard left for the NFL to become the newest member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which means Ryan Day now has to make a final decision on who will replace him as the starting quarterback beginning in Week 1.

In a recent exchange with the media, the head coach of the reigning College Football champion pointed to a specific trait he believes his leader must show on the field toward his teammates.

“You want command of that offense. When you stand in there as a quarterback, you want everybody in that hall to believe in you,” Day told reporters on Thursday.

“You want them to follow your command. That’s a three-part, and then taking care of the football, making routine plays, routinely getting us into the right play. That’s one of the things last year that I feel like Will (Howard) probably doesn’t get enough credit for, was all the little things (he did) that kept the offense moving, sometimes throwing the ball away. That keep us on schedule.”

January 2024 rolled around and Nick Saban, the best college football head coach ever, decided to retire after 17 seasons in Alabama. Now, he works for ESPN College GameDay. Still, one question has risen: is his future in the NFL?

Lately, he was pressed on the show about the possibility of coaching again, and Saban, as cryptic as he is, didn’t give a definitive answer, but stated that there are no ‘enticing‘ options right now.

However, that’s the clear message, not right now. Meaning, if next year something pops up that fills the eye of Saban, he could be returning to coaching. However, it’s most likely he would do it in the NFL, rather than doing it at the collegiate level.

Saban faces some roadblocks

Saban made his name known in the NCAA for a simple reason. He couldn’t be bothered with the NFL structure of drafting once in the first round and having a salary cap that denies the possibility to overhaul a team in seconds. Meanwhile, at Alabama, he could recruit the best prospects in the nation without having any limitations, he ruled however he saw fit and made the changes without obstacles.

The NIL changed everything. Now, college recruitment has turned more like a professional sport. This means, Saban’s lure wasn’t as big as a huge paycheck. If he decides to return, he will face either the NIL in college, or pro-sports burocracy in the NFL.

Saban as a coach is elite

Nick Saban always drew comparison’s to his NFL counterpart, Bill Belichick. Not only are they close friends, but the way they coach and approach the sport is very similar. This means they are a handful to deal with, as they want full control of everything that happens.

On the other side, that also means they are very focused, detail-oriented, and tactical masterminds. Hence, both are regarded as the best ever in their respective fields. If a team is enticing enough to grab Saban, said franchise will have a top-tier coach, but also, it will need to be ready for a full culture shift.

Saban led Alabama to six national championships in college football, though he leads the all-time list for most by a head coach with seven trophies thanks to his crowning at the helm of LSU. Regardless of his unrepeatable milestone, Saban didn’t hand the honor of best head coach of all time to himself.

Belichick could’ve been a more than reasonable answer, as well. The six-time Super Bowl winning head coach (eight-time when considering the two rings he won as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants) is arguably the best mind to ever stand on the sideline of an NFL field, and he will have his first experience in the NCAA during the 2025 season.

Still, Saban thought of someone else. It wasn’t Vince Lombardi either—the five-time NFL champion who won Super Bowls I and II with the Green Bay Packers. His impact on football is so profound that the most coveted trophy in the sport bears his name.

Saban’s choice

Instead, during an interview for the upcoming “Nothing but a Winner” documentary—following the rise of Alabama’s dynasty in college football—Saban was asked who he considers the greatest head coach of all time. He didn’t hesitate before giving a firm answer.

“I think that coach [Paul “Bear”] Bryant is the greatest coach of all time,” Saban said, as reported by TD Alabama Magazine.

Those who came before him

Saban’s answer is a tip of the hat towards a fellow legend in Tuscaloosa. Paul Bryant, dubbed “Bear” because of his famous tilt with a circus bear during his adolescence, coached Alabama from 1958 to 1982, continuing his inmortal legacy in Tuscaloosa where he also played and attended school.

Bryant led the Crimson Tide to six national championships and is tied with Saban for most championships with Alabama. Bryant coached eight more seasons than Saban in Alabama, thus, he holds the upper-hand in all-time wins and conference titles.

However, their stats are very evenly matched, and the debate over who is the greatest coach to ever step foot in Tuscaloosa is unlikely to ever reach a universal conclusion—at least among fans and alumni of the University of Alabama. Saban, however, firmly believes Bear Bryant stands a peck above.

When you think of college football royalty, one name rises above the rest: Nick Saban. With a career that spans decades and a trophy case that rivals any legend, he has built more than just championship teams—he’s built an empire.

But beyond the titles and the roaring crowds at Bryant-Denny Stadium, there’s another question fans and curious minds alike keep asking: just how much is the legend’s net worth? Spoiler: it’s not just peanuts and pride.

His rise reflects a unique blend of discipline, longevity and business acumen. The numbers surrounding his career earnings and fortune paint the picture of a man who mastered both the game and the game behind it.

What is Nick Saban’s net worth?

As of January 2025, Nick Saban’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This wealth stems largely from his legendary coaching career, but also includes lucrative endorsements and business ventures.

While coaching provided the foundation for his fortune, his income was further boosted by endorsements, bonuses and smart business investments. Over time, he became much more than just a football coach, he turned into a brand.

What is Nick Saban’s salary?

As of January 2025, Nick Saban’s salary has significantly decreased following his retirement from coaching. In his position as an advisor to the University of Alabama, he received an annual salary of $500,000, as CBS Sports reported.

During his tenure as Alabama’s coach, his compensation was primarily composed of a modest base salary supplemented by substantial talent fees and retention bonuses.. In 2023, his total earnings amounted to approximately $11.4 million.

Notably, his advisory position includes a 40-hour workweek and provides him with an office at Bryant-Denny Stadium, reflecting his ongoing involvement with the university’s athletics program.

Celebrity Net Worth reported that his salary tends to fluctuate, but it would be $11.2 million as of now. His earnings have changed over the years and with the contracts, so check how they have been year by year:

• 2017 — $11.5 million
• 2018 — $7.15 million
• 2019 — $7.55 million
• 2020 — $7.55 million
• 2021 — $10.35 million
• 2022 — $11.2 million
• 2023 — $11.7 million

Nick Saban’s coaching career and earnings

Nick Saban’s professional journey began modestly in the 1970s, working as a defensive assistant at various colleges. After gaining experience, he took his first head coaching job at the University of Toledo in 1990. It was a one-season stint, but it put him on the radar.

His big breakthrough came when he took the reins at LSU in 2000, eventually leading the team to a BCS National Championship in 2003. At that point, he was already earning over a million dollars per year.

In 2005, he made the jump to the NFL, accepting the head coaching position for the Miami Dolphins. Although his time in the pros was less than stellar, it was financially fruitful, with an annual salary close to $4.5 million.

He returned to college football in 2007, this time at the University of Alabama, where he would build one of the greatest dynasties in sports history, according to sources like ESPN, USA Today and Yahoo Sports.

His initial contract with Alabama was valued at $32 million over eight years, but with renewals, raises, and incentives, his total earnings from Alabama Crimson Tide exceeded $121 million in base salary alone.

Nick Saban’s endorsements and business ventures

Saban’s financial success was not limited to his salary as a coach. He cultivated a lucrative presence in the world of endorsements and entrepreneurship. Among his most notable deals are those with Mercedes-Benz and Aflac.

His partnership with Aflac, especially in commercials alongside Deion Sanders, introduced him to a broader pop culture audience and added several million dollars to his earnings over time.

Beyond endorsements, he has also made strategic moves as a businessman. He is a co-owner of Dream Motor Group, a network of luxury car dealerships spread across Alabama, Texas, Louisiana and Florida.

The multi-time national champion with Alabama — and previously with LSU — has recently taken on a role as a NCAAF analyst, stepping away from coaching for the time being. Despite this shift, Kiffin still believes that Saban should return to the sidelines — and not just in college football, but as a head coach in the NFL.

“I do (think he misses coaching),” Kiffin said on This Past Weekend with Theo Von. “I did always think, okay, if he was going to do this, he was going to have to have, and I and they used to say he’s going to have to kind of have that College GameDay spot, because he’s going to want to still, like be involved. You know? He’s just so wired all day long to do something for his entire life, now he’s not going to sit around and just, you know, be a grandpa? That’s not him.

“So I think because of that, that’s helped a lot. I wouldn’t actually be surprised if he came back in the NFL, even, you know, as head coach, because he’s just so good at it, and so in him that I’m not sure he won’t come back.”

Nick Saban’s previous experience in the NFL

Nick Saban’s experience is often overlooked when discussing his legendary college coaching career, but it remains a notable chapter in his football journey. His most prominent role came as head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2005 to 2006, where he posted a 15–17 record over two seasons. Despite some competitive moments, Saban’s Dolphins failed to reach the playoffs in either year, and he ultimately returned to college football, where he would cement his status as one of the greatest to ever coach the game.

Before his stint in Miami, Saban also gained valuable NFL experience as an assistant. He coached with the Houston Oilers from 1988 to 1989, and later served as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns from 1991 to 1994 under Bill Belichick. That period with the Browns is particularly significant, as it placed Saban within one of the most influential coaching trees in football history.

While his NFL head coaching tenure was brief, the insights and discipline he carried from those years clearly influenced the dynasty he would go on to build at the collegiate level.

After an astounding season, Auburn must showcase their talent when it really counts: in the decisive month of March. Despite their recent losses to Alabama and Texas A&M, the Tigers arrive as heavy favorites in both the SEC tournament and the NCAA tournament.

First things first, however. Auburn must put on a strong image during the postseason tourney, after becoming the regular season champions in the Southeastern Conference. The Tigers wait in the Quarterfinals round for the winner of #8 Ole Miss vs #9 Arkansas/#16 South Carolina.

Barkley, a former Auburn star, is rooting for his alma mater to go all the way in March. For that to happen, Bruce Pearl’s squad will need to be at full strength. Ahead of their debut in the SEC tournament, Barkley quoted Saban while delivering a clear message to Chad Baker-Maraza, who was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul in the loss to Alabama, putting his team at a significant disadvantage.

“Chad [Baker-Maraza] has got to be really careful with his emotions,” Barkley stated, per On3. “Nick Saban, the greatest coach in college football history says ‘I want you to play with emotion. But don’t be emotional.’ Because one emotional decision gets you tossed from the game or gets you a penalty. Playing with emotion and being emotional are two different things.”

Back-to-back

Auburn is aiming to defend its SEC championship after clinching the title in the 2024 tournament, as well as possibly crown themselves in the NCAA tournament. To do so, they’ll need to exceed the sky-high expectations surrounding the program and put the ghosts of their last two regular-season losses behind them.

The Tigers will make their debut on Friday, March 14th, with their opponent still to be determined in the quarterfinal round. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM EST at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Coincidence or curse?

Auburn has been crowned SEC champions three times in program history—2024, 2019, and 1985. However, they’ve never won the tournament after claiming the regular season title. Maybe streaks are meant to be broken, or perhaps it’s an omen for the Tigers as they head to Music City to kickstart the decisive month in college basketball.

Saban’s arrival in Alabama brought countless talents and future legends of the sport to campus, as well as a great collection of trophies. Since, Saban has been compared to the other mastermind in the Crimson Tide’s history: Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Bryant completely turned the page for a program that hadn’t won a title since 1941. He returned to Alabama in 1957, this time to coach his alma mater’s football team. Four seasons later, the Crimson Tide were back on top as the best team in the nation.

Bryant and Saban each won six national championships during their tenures in Tuscaloosa, leading the GOAT debate—a largely subjective discussion left to individual opinion. Regardless, Saban was asked whether, during his coaching years, he ever thought he was becoming the greatest of all time.

“I never thought of it that way,” Saban admitted during an interview with The Pivot Podcast. “I never really ever thought about (being the GOAT), it was always like, ‘what’s happening next? What’s the next challenge?’ And there were always a bunch of challenges. I never really ever stopped to think about it. You know? It was always the next challenge, the next game, the next competition.”

Head on a swivel

Saban knew better than to get too comfortable in the ever-changing landscape of the NCAA. Schools could rise at any moment, and even the apex predator, Alabama, had to stay alert to any threats in its surroundings

“The next season comes, and you know you’ve got to go perform and be the best you can be so you can keep your job,” Saban stated. “I never worried about keeping my job, but I did have this pride in performance that every year was like taking a new job.“

Nowadays, there’s plenty of debate about which school in the NCAA produces the best talent at certain positions. Many argue whether LSU or Ohio State deserves the title of “Wide Receiver University”. Other schools boast different traits, such as Iowa’s undeniable track record of developing elite tight ends

During his time at Alabama, Saban went the extra mile, helping the school earn the nickname “NFL U.” The Crimson Tide became a powerhouse and a destination for aspiring pros, as being coached by Saban significantly increased their chances of making it to the NFL.

Nobody could resist the chance to be coached by the greatest college football head coach of all time. However, Saban didn’t hold the same level of appreciation for every player on the roster.

In an interview with The Pivot podcast, the iconic coach revealed the five players he loved coaching the most during his storied Crimson Tide career. Surprisingly, Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young were not among them.

“Favorite player to ever coach? Julio [Jones] was great,” Nick Saban listed, via The Pivot podcast. “Derrick Henry. Tua [Tagovailoa], I always liked Tua. Rolando McClain, and the other one I always liked was Reuben Foster.”

Hurts’ numbers in Alabama

Although Jalen Hurts transferred from Alabama to Oklahoma ahead of his senior year, the Eagles’ signal caller put on very impressive stats during his first three seasons under Saban. However, he ultimately lost the starting job to Tua Tagovailoa during the 2018 off-season.

Hurts had a rocky career in Alabama as he was benched during the 2018 NCAA National Championship game, falling behind Tagovailoa in the depth chart before moving away to Norman, where he had his best season in college football in 2019.

Through three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Hurts played in 42 games, racking up 5,626 passing yards, 48 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He added 1,976 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns over that period.

Young’s time with the Crimson Tide

Bryce Young, on the other hand, was the wonderkid in Tuscaloosa, and his career was a constant-high. Young was the second-string quarterback behind Mac Jones during the 2020 National Championship.

Although Young couldn’t guide the Tide to a national title, his individual stats led him to become the first ever Alabama QB to win the Heisman Trophy during the 2021 season.

After three years under Saban, Young recorded 35 games played, passing for 8,356 yards, 80 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions. His astonishing numbers in Alabama led to a first overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.

Since stepping into Tuscaloosa in January 2007, Nick Saban has built an ever-lasting legacy in the school, guiding them to six NCAA national championships and nine SEC titles. Moreover, Saban built a powerhouse, securing at least ten wins in every season he spent in Tuscaloosa.

However, everything reaches its end, sooner or later. Saban’s time with the Crimson Tide came to an end following the CFP semifinal loss against Michigan at the Rose Bowl.

Alabama’s first post-Saban season was far from what the program had hoped for. The Tide fell short of the 10-win standard Saban had established and ended the campaign with a frustrating bowl game loss to the Wolverines.

Money talks

A year has passed since Saban’s retirement, and while many still hope for his return, the legendary coach recently made it clear that it’s unlikely. As he explained, college football has changed dramatically from what he was accustomed to. During an appearance on The Pivot podcast, Saban revealed that a conversation with his wife, Miss Terry, played a significant role in his decision.

“In the end, the last year, we always have the parents over on Saturday night for karaoke and all the players on Sunday morning for breakfast when we’re recruiting,” Nick Saban stated during the podcast. “And one day [Miss Terry] came up to me and she said, ‘Why are we doing this?’ And I said, ‘Why do you say that?’ And she said, ‘It was always about relationships, but now it’s about how much money you’re going to pay them.’ So that was one of the things that she hated.”

New Day in Tuscaloosa

NIL deals, the transfer portal, and the recruitment, it’s all so different than what it used to be in the NCAA. Nick Saban felt alienated, and as if he didn’t have anything else to prove, which was true.

The Crimson Tide has struggled tremendously after his departure. The first year under Kalen DeBoer fell well short of the expectations. However, DeBoer wasn’t handed a perfect situation, as he inherited a roster full of players Saban had recruited, and whom he had to convince he was still the right coach for them.

As the season progressed, several crucial losses to rivals—games Saban likely would never have lost—proved too much for the players to bear. As a result, many key contributors opted to enter the transfer portal. Perhaps Kalen DeBoer’s second season will be judged and scrutinized more fairly, as he will have more time to prepare and assemble the roster he truly wants.