Nick Saban Scores Huge Contract Extension to Keep Him at Alabama
Alabama has just announced the terms of Nick Saban’s new contract at the school, three months after it reached an agreement to give him an extension. The numbers are what anyone should expect from one of the winningest football coaches in the history of the game.
Saban Lands a Deal of a Lifetime
While Saban’s base salary won't change for the duration of the extension, the Alabama coach has been given a huge boost in his talent fee. The contract extension, which runs through the 2028 season, will make Saban the first college football head coach to be paid an eight-figure annual salary through a jump to $10.3 million. The final six years of the agreement include annual sums that each surpass the $10-million mark, finally stopping at $11.5 million for the 2028-29 season.
By the time the extension expires, Saban will have racked up almost $85 million. The only other coach close to this is Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, who will eventually get to $10 million each year based on the terms of his current deal. However, that isn't going to occur until 2027. Saban isn't alone with his boost, either, as Alabama's new special team’s coordinator/tight ends coach, Drew Svoboda, has an approved contract in hand. That one provides a base salary of $450,000 and is good for two years.
Saban has earned his place in college football's annals. He has almost singlehandedly turned the Crimson Tide football program into a guaranteed annual contender, capturing six national championships with the school. The odds are good that he'll add a few more before he's done, too. Now 69, Saban will also receive an $800,000 completion bonus every year for the next four years with the completion of each season.
End of the Line for Saban?
Saban said in a statement that the extension will ensure that he stays at Alabama through the end of his career. That essentially means that, when the contract reaches its final day, so will he. He asserts, “[Wife] Terry and I are pleased and happy to sign another contract extension that will keep us in Tuscaloosa through the end of our career. Our family calls Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama home, it’s a place where our roots now run deep. This agreement gives us the chance to continue to impact the lives of the young men and their families who choose to play football and get an education at Alabama.”
Saban took hold of Alabama's football program in 2007, turning it into the powerhouse it is today. There have been attempts by NFL teams to steal him away, but the new contract extension solidifies his future. He's happy where he is and doesn't plan on leaving Tuscaloosa.
Saban To Do for NIL What He Did For Football
The new name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules are about to come into play in the NCAA, and Saban has already seen the future. He, of course, must accept the new reality because it's now the law. Any smart coach knows how to adjust to change, and Saban is as smart as they come. However, Saban also understands the purpose and benefit of NIL, and is ready to embrace the new rules. That could be part of the reason he decided to stick around. He sees NIL to attract new, fresh talent to the team.
According to Saban, during an interview with 24/7, “Our quarterback [Bryce Young] already has approached ungodly numbers. I’m not going to say what they are. He hasn’t even played yet. He hasn’t been a starter. If I told you what he’s … it’s almost 7-figures. And it’s like the guy hasn’t even played yet. That’s because of our program.” He said it best. Not only do players deserve to capitalize on the NIL rules, but those at top schools can earn more, and Saban is going to make sure they do.
Saban To Use NIL To His Advantage
That was also a message to other, younger athletes. It was a way for Saban to hint at the financial benefits of playing for Alabama. It's also a way for Saban to have even more power over the players, since those who ultimately take the field will be able to garner more NIL money. Deciding who gets those opportunities for Alabama Crimson Tide is Saban, and he's clearly ready to pull the strings.
“Everything in high school and college football has always been equal for everyone,” Saban explains. “It’s not going to be that way anymore. Aaron Rodgers makes $24 million a year [editor’s note: Rodgers makes more than $30 million annually on his current deal] and probably several million more in endorsements because he’s the quarterback. The right guard probably makes a million a year and he doesn’t get anything from endorsements. The same thing is going to happen to our team. Certain positions probably enhance opportunity to create value, like quarterback.”
