Terry Saban is an American football coach and former player. He is the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Saban has won seven national championships as a head coach, six with Alabama and one with LSU.
Saban was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, and played college football at Kent State University. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Kent State in 1980. Saban has also been the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, LSU Tigers, and Miami Dolphins.
Saban is considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. He has been named the AP College Football Coach of the Year five times and the SEC Coach of the Year seven times. Saban was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Terry Saban Wiki
Terry Saban is an American football coach and former player. He is the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Saban has won seven national championships as a head coach, six with Alabama and one with LSU.
- Birthplace: Fairmont, West Virginia
- Alma mater: Kent State University
- Coaching career:
- 1980-1982: Graduate assistant, Kent State University
- 1983-1984: Defensive coordinator, West Virginia University
- 1985-1987: Defensive coordinator, Ohio State University
- 1988-1994: Head coach, Michigan State University
- 1995-1999: Head coach, LSU Tigers
- 2000-2004: Head coach, Miami Dolphins
- 2007-present: Head coach, Alabama Crimson Tide
- National championships: 7 (1995, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2020)
- Awards: AP College Football Coach of the Year (5 times), SEC Coach of the Year (7 times), College Football Hall of Fame (2013)
Terry Saban is one of the most successful college football coaches of all time. He has won seven national championships, more than any other active coach. Saban is known for his tough and demanding coaching style, but he is also respected for his ability to develop players and win games.
1. Birthplace
Terry Saban was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, a city with a rich football tradition. Fairmont is home to Fairmont State University, which has a Division II football program. Saban grew up playing football in Fairmont and was a standout player at Fairmont Senior High School.
- Family Influence: Saban's father, Nick, was a high school football coach in West Virginia. Saban grew up around football and learned the game from his father.
- Local Football Culture: Fairmont is a football town, and Saban was immersed in the sport from a young age. He attended Fairmont State football games and was inspired by the local players.
- Competitive Environment: Fairmont is a competitive football environment, and Saban had to work hard to earn playing time. He developed a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit.
- Natural Talent: Saban was a naturally gifted football player. He was a talented athlete with good size, speed, and strength.
Saban's birthplace played a significant role in his development as a football coach. He learned the game from his father and was immersed in the sport from a young age. Saban's competitive spirit and work ethic were shaped by his experiences in Fairmont.
2. Alma mater
Terry Saban's alma mater, Kent State University, played a significant role in his development as a football coach. Saban was a three-year starter at Kent State and was a key member of the Golden Flashes' Mid-American Conference championship team in 1972. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Kent State in 1973.
- Playing Career: Saban was a talented defensive back at Kent State. He was a three-year starter and was named to the All-MAC team in 1972. Saban's playing experience gave him a deep understanding of the game of football.
- Coaching Mentors: Saban had several influential coaching mentors at Kent State, including head coach Don James and defensive coordinator Joe Bugel. James and Bugel taught Saban the importance of hard work, discipline, and attention to detail.
- Academic Success: Saban was a successful student at Kent State. He earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1973. Saban's academic success showed his commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Saban's alma mater played a significant role in his development as a football coach. He learned the game from experienced coaches, gained valuable playing experience, and earned a college degree. Saban's success as a coach is a testament to the quality of education and coaching he received at Kent State University.
The connection between "Alma mater: Kent State University" and "terry saban wiki;" is significant because it highlights the importance of education and mentorship in the development of successful coaches. Saban's alma mater provided him with the foundation he needed to become one of the most successful coaches in college football history.
3. Coaching career
Terry Saban's first coaching job was as a graduate assistant at Kent State University from 1980 to 1982. This position was a significant stepping stone in his coaching career and played a crucial role in his development as a coach.
As a graduate assistant, Saban worked closely with the defensive backs and special teams units. He learned the importance of teaching fundamentals, developing game plans, and motivating players. He also gained valuable experience in recruiting and scouting opponents.
Saban's success as a graduate assistant at Kent State helped him to land his first full-time coaching job as the defensive coordinator at West Virginia University in 1983. He quickly rose through the coaching ranks, becoming the head coach at Michigan State University in 1988.
Saban's experience as a graduate assistant at Kent State University was a critical factor in his success as a head coach. He learned the fundamentals of coaching and gained valuable experience in all aspects of the game. Saban's success story is a testament to the importance of starting at the bottom and working your way up.
4. 1983-1984
Terry Saban's tenure as defensive coordinator at West Virginia University from 1983 to 1984 was a significant step in his coaching career. It was during this time that he developed his signature defensive philosophy and began to establish himself as one of the top defensive minds in college football.
As defensive coordinator at West Virginia, Saban implemented a 3-4 defense that emphasized speed, athleticism, and pressure on the quarterback. His defense was known for its ability to generate turnovers and create havoc for opposing offenses. Saban's defenses at West Virginia ranked among the top 10 in the nation in several statistical categories.
Saban's success as defensive coordinator at West Virginia helped him to land his first head coaching job at Michigan State University in 1988. He continued to develop his defensive philosophy at Michigan State, and his defenses consistently ranked among the best in the Big Ten Conference.
Saban's experience as defensive coordinator at West Virginia University was a critical factor in his success as a head coach. He learned how to build and lead a successful defense, and he developed a defensive philosophy that he has used throughout his career.
5. 1985-1987
Terry Saban's tenure as defensive coordinator at Ohio State University from 1985 to 1987 was a significant step in his coaching career. It was during this time that he developed his signature defensive philosophy and began to establish himself as one of the top defensive minds in college football.
- Development of Defensive Philosophy
At Ohio State, Saban continued to develop his 3-4 defense, emphasizing speed, athleticism, and pressure on the quarterback. He also began to implement more complex schemes and techniques, such as zone blitzes and man-to-man coverage. Saban's defenses at Ohio State were consistently ranked among the top 10 in the nation in several statistical categories.
- Success on the Field
Saban's defenses at Ohio State were a major factor in the team's success during his tenure. The Buckeyes won two Big Ten championships and played in the Rose Bowl in each of Saban's three seasons as defensive coordinator. Saban's defenses were known for their ability to generate turnovers, create havoc for opposing offenses, and win games.
- Preparation for Head Coaching Job
Saban's experience as defensive coordinator at Ohio State prepared him well for his first head coaching job at Michigan State University in 1988. He had learned how to build and lead a successful defense, and he had developed a defensive philosophy that he could implement at his own program.
Saban's tenure as defensive coordinator at Ohio State University was a critical factor in his success as a head coach. He learned how to build and lead a successful defense, and he developed a defensive philosophy that he has used throughout his career.
6. 1988-1994
Terry Saban's tenure as head coach at Michigan State University from 1988 to 1994 was a significant step in his coaching career. It was during this time that he established himself as one of the top coaches in college football and began to build the foundation for his future success at LSU and Alabama.
At Michigan State, Saban implemented his signature 3-4 defense, which he had developed during his time as defensive coordinator at Ohio State. His defenses at Michigan State were known for their ability to generate turnovers, create havoc for opposing offenses, and win games. Saban's teams at Michigan State consistently ranked among the top 10 in the nation in several defensive categories.
Saban's success on the field at Michigan State was not limited to his defenses. His teams also played well on offense and special teams, and they were known for their toughness and discipline. Saban's teams at Michigan State won three Big Ten championships and played in four bowl games during his tenure.
Saban's success at Michigan State helped him to land the head coaching job at LSU in 1995. He continued to build on his success at LSU, winning a national championship in 2003. Saban left LSU for the NFL in 2005, but he returned to college football in 2007 to become the head coach at Alabama.
Saban's tenure as head coach at Michigan State University was a critical factor in his success as a coach. He learned how to build and lead a successful program, and he developed a winning culture that has continued at Michigan State long after his departure.
7. 1995-1999
Terry Saban's tenure as head coach at LSU from 1995 to 1999 was a significant step in his coaching career. It was during this time that he established himself as one of the top coaches in college football and began to build the foundation for his future success at Alabama.
- National Championship
Saban's greatest accomplishment at LSU was winning the national championship in 2003. This was LSU's first national championship since 1958, and it cemented Saban's status as one of the best coaches in the country.
- Development of Players
Saban was known for his ability to develop players, both on and off the field. He recruited some of the best players in the country to LSU, and he helped them to reach their full potential. Many of Saban's players went on to have successful NFL careers.
- Innovative Defensive Schemes
Saban was always looking for ways to improve his defenses. He was one of the first coaches to use a 3-4 defense with a nickel package. He also developed new blitzing schemes and coverages that helped his defenses to be one of the most feared in the country.
- Preparation for Alabama
Saban's success at LSU prepared him well for his future success at Alabama. He learned how to build and lead a successful program, and he developed a winning culture that has continued at LSU long after his departure.
Saban's tenure as head coach at LSU was a critical factor in his success as a coach. He learned how to build and lead a successful program, and he developed a winning culture that has continued at LSU long after his departure.
FAQs about Terry Saban
Terry Saban is one of the most successful college football coaches of all time. He has won seven national championships, more than any other active coach. Saban is known for his tough and demanding coaching style, but he is also respected for his ability to develop players and win games.
Question 1: What are some of Saban's most notable accomplishments?
Answer: Saban has won seven national championships, six with Alabama and one with LSU. He has also won 13 conference championships and has been named the AP College Football Coach of the Year five times.
Question 2: What is Saban's coaching philosophy?
Answer: Saban is known for his tough and demanding coaching style. He emphasizes discipline, hard work, and attention to detail. Saban believes that success is achieved through preparation and execution.
Question 3: What are some of Saban's strengths as a coach?
Answer: Saban is a master motivator and tactician. He is also a great recruiter and has a knack for developing players. Saban is known for his ability to build and maintain successful programs.
Question 4: What are some of Saban's weaknesses as a coach?
Answer: Saban can be a demanding coach, and some players have struggled to adjust to his style. He can also be stubborn at times and may not be open to new ideas.
Question 5: What is Saban's legacy as a coach?
Answer: Saban is one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. He has won more national championships than any other active coach and has built two of the most successful programs in the country. Saban's legacy will continue to grow in the years to come.
Question 6: What is Saban's future as a coach?
Answer: Saban is 70 years old and has been coaching for over 40 years. He has not given any indication that he plans to retire anytime soon. Saban is still one of the best coaches in the country, and he will likely continue to win championships for many years to come.
Summary: Terry Saban is one of the most successful and respected college football coaches of all time. He has won seven national championships and has built two of the most successful programs in the country. Saban is known for his tough and demanding coaching style, but he is also respected for his ability to develop players and win games. Saban's legacy as a coach will continue to grow in the years to come.
Transition to the next article section: Terry Saban is a true coaching legend. His accomplishments on the field are unmatched, and his impact on the game of football is undeniable. In the next section, we will take a closer look at Saban's coaching philosophy and his keys to success.
Tips from Terry Saban
Terry Saban is one of the most successful college football coaches of all time. He has won seven national championships, more than any other active coach. Saban is known for his tough and demanding coaching style, but he is also respected for his ability to develop players and win games.
Tip 1: Set high expectations.
Saban believes that success is achieved through hard work and dedication. He sets high expectations for his players and staff, and he holds them accountable for their performance.
Tip 2: Be prepared.
Saban is a master of preparation. He spends countless hours studying film and game plans. He also makes sure that his players are well-prepared for every game.
Tip 3: Be disciplined.
Saban is a firm believer in discipline. He expects his players to be on time, to follow the rules, and to give their best effort on and off the field.
Tip 4: Be tough.
Saban is not afraid to be tough on his players. He knows that success requires hard work and sacrifice. He pushes his players to their limits, and he expects them to be mentally and physically tough.
Tip 5: Be a leader.
Saban is a natural leader. He is able to motivate and inspire his players to achieve great things. He is also a great communicator, and he is able to get his message across clearly and effectively.
Summary: Terry Saban is a successful coach because he sets high expectations, is prepared, disciplined, tough, and a leader. He is able to motivate and inspire his players to achieve great things. If you want to be a successful coach, you can learn a lot from Terry Saban.
Transition to the article's conclusion: Terry Saban is a true coaching legend. His accomplishments on the field are unmatched, and his impact on the game of football is undeniable. In the next section, we will take a closer look at Saban's coaching philosophy and his keys to success.
Conclusion
Terry Saban is one of the most successful college football coaches of all time. He has won seven national championships, more than any other active coach. Saban is known for his tough and demanding coaching style, but he is also respected for his ability to develop players and win games.
Saban's success is due to a number of factors, including his high expectations, preparation, discipline, toughness, and leadership. He is able to motivate and inspire his players to achieve great things. If you want to be a successful coach, you can learn a lot from Terry Saban.