Lastly, those who got to know Saban on a more personal level got their chance to react to the news. His former players.
One was Saban’s first Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama in running back Mark Ingram.
“Coach Saban is the GOAT!! Thanks for believing in a young man from Flint, Michigan. Helped me become a champion on the field, but more importantly a champion in LIFE. Enjoy retirement Coach, you earned that!! Love you Coach Saban, ROLL TIDE!!” Ingram posted along with an image of their first national title run together in 2010.
Linebacker Dont’a Hightower won two national titles with Saban. He sent his congratulations.
“Enjoy retirement Nicky my boy! Hell of a damn coaching career. Thanks for helping so many young men reach their goals and dreams,” Hightower shared.
Some former Saban players, though, offered a humorous response. Marlon Humphrey of the Baltimore Ravens cracked this joke.
“I would have been in that portal so fast after I heard Saban retiring lol,” Humphrey posted.
Former Tide running back Kenyan Drake shared five words and a photo.
And Saban’s retirement brought up some praise and gratitude for even his past rivals. Former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn, now at Central Florida, shared this online.
“It was a true honor to coach against you throughout the years. Enjoy your retirement!” Malzahn said.
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