Nick Saban Net Worth

Nick Saban net worth – What is the net worth of Nick Saban? Nick Saban is an American former professional and college football coach and current sports analyst who has a net worth of $200 million. Widely regarded as the greatest coach in college football history, Saban won a record seven national championships—six with the Alabama Crimson Tide and one with the LSU Tigers. After a dominant 17-season run at Alabama that redefined the sport, he retired in January 2024 and transitioned into a lucrative role as an analyst for ESPN’s College GameDay. Beyond his coaching salary, Saban has built a massive business empire, most notably through his ownership stake in the Dream Motor Group.

What is Nick Saban’s Net Worth?

As of 2026, Nick Saban has an estimated net worth of US $200 million. His wealth is a result of becoming the highest-paid coach in college football history, with career earnings from coaching salaries alone exceeding $150 million. In his final season at Alabama, his base salary was $11.7 million, making him the highest-paid coach in the NCAA at the time.

However, a significant portion of Saban’s net worth comes from his savvy business ventures. He is a co-owner of the Dream Motor Group, which operates several luxury car dealerships across the southern United States, including Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari dealerships. This portfolio is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions. Additionally, following his retirement, he signed a multi-million dollar contract with ESPN and continues to hold high-value endorsement deals with brands like Aflac and Mercedes-Benz.

Net Worth Comparison with Coaching Legends

Coach Estimated Net Worth
Nick Saban $200 Million
Bill Belichick $70 Million
Kirby Smart $35 Million
Dabo Swinney $30 Million
Deion Sanders $45 Million
Urban Meyer $35 Million
Jim Harbaugh $40 Million

Nick Saban Net Worth Growth Timeline

Year Net Worth
2018 $45.0 Million
2020 $60.0 Million
2022 $90.0 Million
2024 $150.0 Million
2026 $200.0 Million

Who is Nick Saban?

Nicholas Lou Saban Jr. was born on October 31, 1951, in Fairmont, West Virginia. He is a disciplinarian and tactical genius known for “The Process”—a philosophy that emphasizes focusing on the task at hand rather than the end result. This approach helped him build arguably the greatest dynasty in college football history at the University of Alabama. Since retiring, he has become a beloved media personality, offering unparalleled insight on College GameDay while maintaining his status as a “godfather” figure in the sport.

Nick Saban Biography

Field Details
Full Name Nicholas Lou Saban Jr.
Nickname The GOAT, St. Nick
Date of Birth October 31, 1951
Age 74 years
Birthplace Fairmont, West Virginia, U.S.
Nationality American
Profession Former Football Coach, TV Analyst
Teams Coached Toledo, Michigan State, LSU, Miami Dolphins, Alabama
Net Worth $200 million
Source of Wealth Coaching, Car Dealerships, Media
Marital Status Married
Spouse Terry Constable (m. 1971)
Children Nicholas, Kristen
Education Kent State University (BA, MA)

Early Life and Education

Nick Saban grew up in the small coal-mining community of Monongah, West Virginia. His father, Nick Saban Sr., was a central figure in his life, running a local Pop Warner football team and owning a service station where a young Nick worked. It was here that Saban learned the value of perfectionism and hard work.

Saban attended Kent State University, where he played defensive back. He was a member of the football team during the tragic Kent State shootings in 1970, an event that deeply affected him; he famously avoided being in the area of the shooting only because he decided to eat lunch before class. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business in 1973 and a master’s in sports administration in 1975.

Career

Coaching Career

Saban began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Kent State under Don James. He spent decades climbing the ranks as a defensive assistant for teams like Syracuse, West Virginia, Ohio State, and the Cleveland Browns under Bill Belichick.

His head coaching career began at Toledo (1990), followed by Michigan State (1995–1999). He rose to national prominence at LSU, winning the BCS National Championship in 2003. After a two-year stint in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins (2005–2006), he returned to college football to coach the University of Alabama in 2007.

At Alabama, Saban achieved unprecedented success, winning six national championships (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020) and nine SEC titles. He coached four Heisman Trophy winners and produced more first-round NFL draft picks than any coach in history. He retired on January 10, 2024, with a career college record of 292–71–1.

Post-Retirement & Business

Immediately following his retirement, Saban joined ESPN as an analyst for College GameDay and coverage of the NFL Draft, where his dry wit and deep knowledge instantly made him a fan favorite.

Off the field, Saban is a shrewd businessman. He is a partner in the Dream Motor Group, owning multiple Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida. In late 2025, he also became a minority owner of the NHL’s Nashville Predators.

Personal Life

Nick Saban has been married to his wife, Terry Saban (affectionately known as “Miss Terry”), since 1971. They met in West Virginia when they were teenagers. Miss Terry is often credited as the “secret weapon” behind his success, managing his off-field life and playing a key role in recruitment and public relations.

They have two adopted children, Nicholas and Kristen. The couple is deeply involved in philanthropy through their Nick’s Kids Foundation, which has raised over $12 million for children’s charities. They primarily reside in Jupiter, Florida, having bought a $17.5 million oceanfront home, but they also maintain properties in Tuscaloosa and on Lake Burton in Georgia.

Favorite Things

Category Favorite
Snack Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies
Musician The Rolling Stones, Eagles
Vacation Spot Lake Burton, Georgia
Activity Golf, Boating
Car Mercedes-Benz
Movie The Blind Side

50 Unknown Facts about Nick Saban

  1. He eats two Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies for breakfast every morning.

  2. He was teammates with NFL Hall of Famer Jack Lambert at Kent State.

  3. He worked at a Dairy Queen in West Virginia as a teenager.

  4. He missed being present at the Kent State shootings by minutes because a friend wanted to get lunch.

  5. He has a clause in his ESPN contract that allows him to pick the music in his dressing room.

  6. He is a serious golfer and famously plays regularly at Augusta National.

  7. He played the saxophone as a child.

  8. He briefly considered a job in the steel mills before going to college.

  9. He never sends text messages and prefers phone calls (until very recently).

  10. He has a “24-hour rule” for celebrating wins or mourning losses.

  11. He played quarterback in high school and led his team to a state championship.

  12. He was the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns under Bill Belichick.

  13. He and Belichick are close friends and often discuss football philosophy.

  14. He has a statue outside Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

  15. He is the only coach to win a national championship at two different FBS schools in the modern era.

  16. He famously complained about “rat poison” (media praise) affecting his players.

  17. He owns a Ferrari Portofino.

  18. He met his wife Terry at a science camp in 7th grade.

  19. He once suspended a player for skipping class, even though the player was a star.

  20. He has a distinct straw hat he wears during practice.

  21. He is a devout Catholic and attends mass weekly.

  22. His father died of a heart attack at age 46, which profoundly impacted Nick.

  23. He has a vacation home on Jupiter Island, Florida, near Tiger Woods.

  24. He made a cameo appearance in the movie The Blind Side.

  25. He is undefeated against his former assistants (a streak that lasted for years until Jimbo Fisher beat him in 2021).

  26. He hates tattered jeans and often criticized players for wearing them.

  27. He has an honorary doctorate from the University of Alabama.

  28. He famously stepped over a fainting player during a hot practice (a story often exaggerated by players).

  29. He once received a speeding ticket but the officer ended up apologizing to him (urban legend, but widely circulated).

  30. He is an avid fan of The Rolling Stones and has seen them in concert multiple times.

  31. He has a “no-swearing” policy in his house with his grandchildren.

  32. He once said he would only leave Alabama if “Momma” (his wife) told him to.

  33. He invests heavily in real estate.

  34. He has a strict salad routine for lunch every day (the “Saban Salad”).

  35. He is colorblind (specifically red-green colorblind).

  36. He coached the secondary at Navy in 1982.

  37. He has a winning record against every SEC team.

  38. He refused to let his players wear earrings or jewelry during games.

  39. He donated $1 million to the University of Alabama for first-generation scholarships.

  40. He has never had a losing season as a college head coach (after his first year at Michigan State).

  41. He drives a signature Mercedes-Benz AMG GT to work.

  42. He is a minority owner of the Nashville Predators (NHL).

  43. He was named to the “Team of the Decade” for the 2010s by multiple outlets.

  44. He rarely drinks alcohol, preferring coffee or water.

  45. He has a “Rule of 5” for leadership.

  46. He famously benched starting QB Jalen Hurts at halftime of the National Championship for Tua Tagovailoa.

  47. He has a street named after him in his hometown of Monongah.

  48. He considers recruiting the “lifeblood” of the program and did it daily.

  49. He retired because he felt he couldn’t commit to the “grind” at the level his players deserved anymore.

  50. He still maintains an office at Bryant-Denny Stadium as an advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Nick Saban?

Nick Saban is 74 years old (as of early 2026).

Why did Nick Saban retire?

He retired in January 2024, citing his age and the feeling that he could no longer consistently give the 100% effort required to maintain the “Alabama standard.”

What is Nick Saban doing now?

He works as a college football analyst for ESPN, appearing on College GameDay, and manages his business interests, including his car dealerships.

How many national championships did Nick Saban win?

He won a record seven national championships (1 at LSU, 6 at Alabama).

What is Nick Saban’s salary at ESPN?

While the exact figure is private, reports estimate his ESPN contract is worth between $10 million and $12 million annually.

Does Nick Saban own car dealerships?

Yes, he is a co-owner of the Dream Motor Group, which owns Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari dealerships across the South.

Who is Nick Saban’s wife?

He has been married to Terry Saban (Miss Terry) since 1971.

Did Nick Saban coach in the NFL?

Yes, he was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins for two seasons (2005–2006) and was a defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns (1991–1994).

Where does Nick Saban live?

He primarily resides in a $17.5 million oceanfront home in Jupiter, Florida, but still spends time in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Is Nick Saban the richest college coach?

Yes, with a net worth of $200 million, he is considered the wealthiest figure to have coached in college football history.

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