Coach Saban’s reign of terror over the CFB sphere spanned for over 2 decades. Going into Tuscaloosa was akin to heading to a family get-together for most people- you know you’re not gonna like it there, and an old man is going to be the reason why! The daunting stature of Coach Saban permeated all across the country. However, Coach Saban was a different persona from Nick Saban all along. His actual family get-togethers are a more welcoming affair.

Since his retirement, Saban’s more humane side has been projected to his fans. But he’s always been a family-oriented man. His biggest fan probably still remains his first one- his wife Terry. Miss Terry has been alongside her husband throughout his escapades on and off the gridiron. The two met all the way back in middle school. It is a tangible trail of thought that college football would perhaps have never been blessed with its proverbial GOAT if not for the butterfly effect of this relationship. As fortunate as football fans are for their love, one person supersedes them.

On account of her parent’s 53rd wedding anniversary, daughter Kristen Saban took to social media to express her gratitude and elation. Kristen posted a picture of the couple on Instagram. The couple are holding hands on the CollegeGameday broadcast, which Miss Terry came on as a guest picker earlier in the season. “53 years of the greatest love story. Happy anniversary, mom and dad!💖“ she wrote.

Married in 1971, Nick Saban and Miss Terry’s bond is almost intrinsic at this point. Miss Terry has been a massive factor in moulding coach into the figurehead he is. When Saban first began his career in coaching, he wasn’t exactly savvy with the media or his players.

“I changed my whole image as a coach, and it started with changing my image with the media and the people. It helped in so many ways like recruiting, relationships with players… so that’s probably one of the most important lessons she ever gave me,” said Nick Saban about his wife’s substantial input.

It was pretty befitting that Miss Terry was actually the one who confirmed Coach Saban’s retirement last year. A figure of Nick Saban’s ilk has more than earned the right to rest on his laurels and finally spend quality with his family. However, as evidenced by fellow coaching royalty and his long-time friend

Bill Belichick, it’s difficult to quit the game when you’ve dedicated your life to it. Although he’s left the sidelines behind, Saban continues to leverage his acumen via his newfound role in the national CFB media.

Bill Belichick witnessed this couple’s relationship grow from the onset

Nick Saban and Bill Belichick’s traversal along separate rungs of the football ladder has run parallel. They’ve known each other for over 40 years. In fact, when Saban was coaching the Navy Midshipmen in 1982, he and Miss Terry spent a few days at the Belichick house. This is when they first met, courtesy of Bill’s father, Steve Belichick. Miss Terry has previously cited Steve as a

“father figure” who “took time with Nick, talked to him and explained things.”

After Bill landed the HC job with the UNC Tar Heels this week, Saban said,

“I’m happy for Bill. I think he probably wanted a new challenge, and this is certainly going to be a great challenge for him. North Carolina is a great academic institution, and they have plenty of, you know, athletic traditions in basketball and football. Bill’s a great coach.” While Belichick continues adding wrinkles to his illustrious career, Saban is utilizing lost time with his wife. The couple remain massive proponents of their friend.

After 53 years of marriage and over a decade or so more before that, Nick Saban and Miss Terry’s love remains undying. The monicker of

“the greatest love story” via Kristen isn’t hyperbolic. Fans will hope to witness the pair recreate the photo she posted next season, this time as they dissect a Tar Heels game! Saban’s acumen has permeated across to his wife and after all these years, in exchange for her unmitigated support.