Alabama unveils “Saban Field” in a ceremony with coach

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Nick Saban made it through the crowds of cheering fans once again on Alabama’s traditional pregame Walk of Champions.

This time, the coach who led the Crimson Tide to six national championships in 17 seasons walked through the door under a sign that read “Saban Field.” Instead of his players and coaches, he also took the short walk with his wife, Terry, and grandson, James.

Alabama officially unveiled a sign with the new name “Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium” hours before the fourth-place Tide hosted South Florida, and an on-field celebration followed at halftime.

“It is a great honor to name the field after the legacy we have been able to create here,” Saban told the assembled fans, wearing his trademark gray suit and crimson tie.

“But I want that legacy to represent every player who played, who worked hard, every coach who helped those players develop, our administration that built a foundation where we had a chance to be successful.”

Successful is an understatement.

Saban, who announced his retirement from coaching in January, led Alabama to a 206-29 record and nine SEC titles, as well as being ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll for a record 15 consecutive seasons, the previous record of seven held by Miami.

Saban now works for ESPN and has an office in the stadium where he was previously honored with a statue. He was succeeded by former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer.

Bryant-Denny Stadium is named after longtime president George Denny, who took office in 1912, and the late football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Alabama's enrollment grew from 25,580 in Saban's first year, 2007, to 39,623 in the last academic year, the university said. Saban noted that football and athletics in general “are the window that people look [through] at this university.”

“And the impact we have with our successful programs has increased the value of our university,” he said. “And I'm proud that we've been able to contribute to that in so many areas.”

Saban and his wife Terry spoke at the ceremony before making the short walk to the stadium.

“Her legacy will live on here at the University of Alabama for generations to come,” said University President Stuart Bell.