Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White


Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White

Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White

Nick Saban agrees to contract extension at Alabama

Nick Saban isn’t going anywhere.

Saban has agreed to a contract extension with the University of Alabama, the school confirmed on its twitter feed Friday night.

“We are very pleased to have this agreement completed,” Saban said in a statement. “Terry and our family are very happy in Tuscaloosa. It has become home to us. This agreement allows us to continue to build on the tremendous success that we have enjoyed to this point – successes that have transcended the football field. We are excited about the future and the University of Alabama is where I plan to end my coaching career.

“We are committed to continuing the work that we have been doing in the community as well as at the University. We are also excited about the opportunity awaiting us on Jan. 2 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the University of Oklahoma and hope to send this year’s tremendous senior class out in the proper way.”

No length or terms were made immediately available and won’t be until they are approved by the UA Board of Trustees.

“Coach Saban is the best in the business and has led our program to the pinnacle of college football,” athletics director Bill Battle said in a statement. “This agreement is a strong indication of our mutual commitment to building on the foundation he has established.”

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit first reported the news on twitter. The Tuscaloosa News’ Cecil Hurt later confirmed the news and multiple reports followed.

Saban has led the Crimson Tide to a 79-14 record during his seven years in Tuscaloosa. The run included two SEC and three BCS National Championships.

“The entire University of Alabama family is thrilled that Coach Nick Saban will continue to be the head coach of the Crimson Tide,” UA president Judy Bonner said in a statement. “We appreciate the commitment that he and Terry have to our players and their success on the field, in the classroom and throughout their lives. Coach Saban’s passion for excellence combined with his hard work and integrity are hallmarks of his teams, who are champions in every way.”

Rumors had swirled the past week about Saban’s future at Alabama. With Texas coach Mack Brown’s future in jeopardy, the Longhorns were reportedly courting Saban to be the school’s next head coach.

Saban received a change in the bonus structure of his contract in April. Last March, Saban received an extension that would keep him in Tuscaloosa through the 2019 season.

“The University of Alabama has finalized a contract agreement with the finest football coach in our country,” UA system president Robert Witt said in a statement. “And this contract will keep Nick Saban at the University of Alabama for the remainder of his career.”

The Crimson Tide will close its season against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 in New Orleans.

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