ESPN has teamed up with Words + Pictures to produce Saban, a six-episode documentary series currently in production that chronicles the life, career, and enduring legacy of former Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
Details regarding the premiere date and episode release schedule will be announced at a later time.
Directed by Russell Dinallo, the series traces Saban’s coaching journey, with particular focus on his historic 17-year run at Alabama, where he led the Crimson Tide to six national championships.
“With my coaching days behind me, Ms. Terry and I have spent a lot of time reflecting and realized we were ready to tell our story,” Saban said in a press release. “The team at Words + Pictures encouraged me to look back not only at my time at Alabama, but at every stop along the way—and not just at what happened, but at the process that made it all possible.
“I worked with so many players and coaches throughout my career, and I’m grateful that many of them have shared their perspectives for this series. There’s a lot to tell, and I’m excited to share it.”
The docuseries features hundreds of hours of never-before-seen footage from locker rooms, practice fields, and behind-the-scenes moments spanning Saban’s career at Alabama, LSU, the Miami Dolphins, Michigan State, and beyond. It includes more than 30 hours of interviews with Saban himself, along with over 80 interviews featuring Ms. Terry, former players, assistant coaches, rivals, family members, friends, and longtime observers of the game.
“There will never be another Nick Saban,” said Connor Schell, CEO of Words + Pictures. “He’s a football genius, a singular leader, and an icon who has done more than anyone to shape modern college football and its culture.
“When you work with Coach Saban, you’re constantly reminded that every detail matters. In his case, that relentless focus on process and precision has resulted in an extraordinary journey and legacy. Working with Coach Saban and Ms. Terry has been an incredible experience, and we’re excited to share their story with the world.”
Saban was hired by the University of Alabama in 2007 and guided the program to national championships in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020, along with 11 SEC titles. During his tenure, Alabama produced its first four Heisman Trophy winners—Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, DeVonta Smith, and Bryce Young.
On January 10, 2024, Saban officially retired from coaching with a career college record of 292-71-1, including 201 wins at Alabama. Widely regarded as one of the greatest recruiters in college football history, he secured 16 consecutive top-five recruiting classes according to 247Sports and produced 47 NFL first-round draft picks—transforming a program that had zero players drafted when he arrived in 2007.
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