Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium to be named after former head coach Nick Saban

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - Nick Saban’s legacy at the University of Alabama has long been secured, but this fall he takes yet another step into immortality.

The University’s Honorary Degrees and Recognition Committee passed a resolution Friday to name the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium to Saban Field.

“This is very special honor. I don’t think there could be anything that honors the hard work and the example we tried to set for our community, our university, and our program and all the players in it that what you all have decided to do today,” Nick Saban said during the meeting. “Terry and I have the utmost gratitude for this great legacy type award by naming the field for us. I can’t tell you how honored and how much appreciation we have for that.

“Dedicating the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium as Saban Field is a fitting way to honor Coach Saban’s extraordinary contributions to The University of Alabama,” said UA President Stuart R. Bell. “Coach Saban and Ms. Terry have significantly enriched our community, and this recognition celebrates their lasting legacy. We are grateful to the Board of Trustees for bestowing this great honor.”

Saban, 72, retired earlier this year after being the head coach at Alabama since 2007. During his time in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide captured nine SEC Championships and six National Championships, bringing Saban’s total to seven, including the 2004 title while at LSU.

“The remarkable success that the football program has achieved over the past 17 years is a reflection of the hard work of many student-athletes, coaches and staff. Being leader of the process at Alabama has been the greatest privilege of my life,” Saban said. “Terry and I are grateful for the naming of Saban Field, which forever celebrates our accomplishments.”

In addition to Alabama and LSU, Saban was also the head coach at Toledo, Michigan State, and the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

The field in Bryant-Denny Stadium will be dedicated to Saban during a ceremony on Sept. 7 during halftime of Alabama’s home opener against Western Kentucky.

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