Alabama Extends Nick Saban's Deal Through 2029

Nick Saban has had loads of success at Alabama and is coming off another national championship. So it would only make sense for Alabama to keep him around.

And that is exactly what Alabama is doing, per Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News, relaying that the school has signed Saban to a contract extension through February 2029.

Hurt reported that the "base salary and talent fee of $8.425 million for the current contract year will increase annually throughout the length of the contract. There will also be a contract completion benefit of $800,000 payable at the end of the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 contract years."

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne and Saban announced the move in a joint statement Monday.

“Terry and I are pleased and happy to sign another contract extension that will keep us in Tuscaloosa through the end of our career,” Saban said. “Our family calls Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama home, it’s a place where our roots now run deep. This agreement gives us the chance to continue to impact the lives of the young men and their families who choose to play football and get an education at Alabama.

"We want to thank the Board of Trustees, Chancellor St. John, President Bell, Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, our athletics administration, the football staff and the whole University community for their support.”

Saban, 69, is entering his 15th season with the Crimson Tide, compiling a record of 170-23. That includes six national titles and seven SEC championships in the past 12 years.

Also, per Hurt, "In his six national championship seasons at Alabama, his teams have gone 21-2 against top-10 opponents. Alabama has been ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Poll for at least one week for 13 straight years, which broke the record of seven established by Miami (1986-92). Saban’s 127 (127-12, .914) wins over the past decade are the most for any Football Bowl Subdivision school during a 10-year span in the Associated Press poll era (since 1936)."

Even the president of the school weighed in.

“Coach Saban’s impact on The University of Alabama is immeasurable,” Alabama president resident Stuart R. Bell in the statement. “What his teams have accomplished on the field is extraordinary. Moreover, he is dedicated to ensuring his student-athletes are successful beyond their sport with a stringent focus on their academics and personal development.

"We’re thrilled to have Nick and Terry Saban, who are among UA’s most distinguished ambassadors, leading by example and serving others in our community for many years to come.”

Alabama opens the season Saturday, Sept. 4 vs. Miami (Fla.) in Atlanta. You can check out the Crimson Tide's full 2021 schedule here.