None can compare with Nick Saban’s legacy in Alabama! At least, that’s what a former Auburn rival thinks. For 17 seasons, the 72-year-old toiled and struggled to push this SEC powerhouse to the top of the game—and he won! 

Nick Saban retired after the Crimson Tide won six national championships and nine conference championships. So when Kalen DeBoer stepped in to replace the legendary coach, hate was thrown in from all sides, including a former Auburn player. This bitterness is propelled by Alabama’s recent big move to honor their celebrated former coach. 

As the July 29 episode on Raw Room showcased, Carolina Panthers assistant coach Daren Bates couldn’t let the fact that Alabama is naming Bryant-Denny Stadium football field for Nick Saban out of his mind. Arguing with other NFL veterans, he said, “They gonna name it after a winner when they start losing because obviously bro, Alabama not gonna be who they are. I don’t give a f*ck all you Alabama fans.”

Bates played linebacker in college football at Auburn from 2009-2012 while Saban was still coaching their conference rival. With him retiring in January and Kalen DeBoer taking over the coaching reins, he’s spicing up the hate. He made sure he’s getting on the nerves of the Bama fans for saying this. Is this his best comeback for the high honor that Alabama is giving to Saban?

A Nick Saban football field for the Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide will soon have their own Saban field to play on in memory of their legendary coach. On July 19, Alabama University trustees gave their approval for Bryant-Denny Stadium to be named after Nick Saban. The stadium is currently named after former Alabama president George Denny and late coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Hearing this, Saban said, “This is a very special honor… Terry and I certainly have the utmost gratitude for this great legacy-type of award by naming the field for us. I can’t tell you how honored and how much appreciation we have for that.” 

This naming ceremony will take place on September 7 at the South Florida game. Saban’s tenure in Alabama saw 25,580 enrollments in 2007 to 39,623 in 2023. As Board President Pro Tem Scott Phelps said, “No one has contributed more to that history than Nick Saban.” Despite the hate that’s spreading, Saban truly deserves this high honor. Don’t you think so? Let us know your thoughts.