“I Feel Like He Had Something to Do with That”: Terry Saban Reflects on the Lasting Influence of Nick Saban’s Father
In a heartfelt reflection, Terry Saban offered rare insight into the powerful influence of Nick Saban Sr.—affectionately known as “Big Nick”—on the legendary career of her husband, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban. During a 2019 interview, Terry shared how the values instilled by Big Nick laid the foundation for Nick’s unmatched coaching legacy.
“I feel like he had something to do with that,” Terry said, alluding to the unshakable drive and attention to detail that defined Nick’s coaching style. Growing up in Fairmont, West Virginia, young Nick Saban worked at his father’s service station and played for Big Nick’s Pop Warner football team. There, he absorbed life lessons grounded in work ethic, discipline, and perfectionism—principles that would shape a future coaching giant.
Big Nick demanded excellence, not only in sports but in life. According to Terry, that mindset became second nature to Nick, evident throughout a coaching career that spanned decades and produced seven national titles, most notably during his transformative time at Alabama.
The loss of Big Nick during Nick’s first year of graduate school at Kent State marked a major emotional shift. It was during this period that Nick chose to pursue coaching under the mentorship of Don James—an influential decision that would alter the course of college football history.
Terry believes her husband’s relentless focus and precision trace directly back to the lessons learned from his father. “There’s a strength in him that comes from what he saw and experienced as a young man,” she said.
While Nick Saban’s name will forever be etched in college football lore, it’s clear the legacy of Big Nick continues to echo through every victory, every title, and every life his son has touched.
