Closing this legendary chapter is “bittersweet” for newly retired Alabama coach Nick Saban and his family.
Taking to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Saban’s daughter, Kristen Saban Setas, posted an emotional message following the news that the decorated Crimson Tide coach will be stepping down after 17 years in Tuscaloosa, and walking away from the game.
“Bittersweet moment,” Kristen, one of Saban’s two children, captioned one post as she wiped away tears with a tissue.
Kristen followed up that post with a handful of tributes to Saban, who coached his final Alabama game on New Year’s Day, a College Football Playoff semifinal loss to eventual champion Michigan in overtime.
“My phone froze 5 times and shut itself off. My inbox is full (of lovely supportive messages, thank you),” she began in a separate message.
“I’ll say something eventually. So many emotions at the moment. Football is my life. Watching my dad accomplish so many things one after the other for so many years has been incredible and I am so thankful to witness the history I’ve seen him make.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your messages, your Alabama football stories (please send more) and your love. Alabama forever. Roll Tide forever. I love you.”
In a statement Wednesday, Saban — who won seven national championships and 11 SEC titles — said he and his family “have enjoyed every minute of our 17 years” at Alabama.
“It is not just about how many games we won and lost, but it’s about the legacy and how we went about it. We always tried to do it the right way,” the 72-year-old Saban said.
“The goal was always to help players create more value for their future, be the best player they could be and be more successful in life because they were part of the program. Hopefully, we have done that, and we will always consider Alabama our home.”
Saban caps off a legendary collegiate career with a record of 292-71-1.
Prior to joining Alabama in 2007, he spent two seasons coaching the Dolphins from 2005-06.
He served as LSU’s head coach from 2000-04, as well as Michigan State from 1995-99 and Toledo in 1990.
Alabama finished the 2023 season at 12-2.