Nick Saban’s 17-year career as Alabama football’s head coach took him to astonishing highs. On Thursday, he hit one more, when he was awarded the Icon Award at the 2024 ESPYS.
Saban’s first and last Heisman Trophy winners, Mark Ingram and Bryce Young presented the award to their old coach. Clad in a tuxedo, Saban spoke of a lesson from his father while accepting the award in Los Angeles.
“The one thing my dad told me, when I was a young kid in West Virginia, that was the most important part of your character, is to have compassion for other people,” Saban said. “People aren’t gonna remember what you say, they’re gonna remember how you made them feel.”
Saban retired in January, having won six national titles in Tuscaloosa and another while head coach at LSU. He moved into an advisory role for UA, and a new job on television for ESPN.
Saban began his acceptance speech by joking that he had enough ex-players in attendance to conduct a practice after the show. He spoke of what was needed to build a great team, from the players to the assistant coaches, support staff and mentors.
He made a special point to thank his family for its support, noting they had moved 17 times before arriving in Alabama.
“Miss Terry has been the love of my life for 52 years,” Saban said. “And she has supported me in every way, as my family has, and I certainly appreciate that, because there’s a lot of sacrifices families make in coaching.”
Saban discussed his famous process, one that led the way to all the success he had as head coach. He spoke glowingly of the Nick’s Kids Foundation’s work throughout his career.
As he began to conclude, Saban mentioned one of the things he was most proud of was the impact his former players were having on their own communities.
“One thing that would help all of our spirit and all of our society, is if we would just change one thing,” Saban said. “Instead of coming up to somebody and saying ‘How are you today?’ Why don’t you say, ‘Who did you help today?’ And if you can help someone every day. And that’s what we’ve been talking about with perseverance. With the things that we’ve done for military folks. It’s very important to us.”
Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne reacted to Saban’s award after the speech.
“Way to go, Coach!” Byrne said in a social media post. “We are forever grateful for your leadership and impact.”
Saban’s successor, new Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer, also offered kind words online.
“Congratulations Coach Saban!” DeBoer said. “Well deserved!”
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