In a revealing interview from 2019, Terry Saban, wife of legendary college football coach Nick Saban, opened up about the powerful influence Nick’s father, Nick Saban Sr.—fondly known as “Big Nick”—had on shaping the character and career of the former Alabama head coach. With a mixture of reverence and reflection, Terry shared how Big Nick’s values laid the foundation for Nick Saban’s unmatched coaching success, which culminated in seven national championships and an indelible impact on college football.
Growing up in the small town of Monongah, West Virginia, Nick Saban was immersed in a world of discipline and hard work from an early age. His father owned and operated a local service station, where young Nick worked tirelessly, learning the importance of attention to detail, responsibility, and toughness. In addition to running the business, Big Nick also coached youth football, instilling in his son a sense of structure and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“I feel like he had something to do with that,” Terry remarked, referring to the perfectionist traits and disciplined mindset that defined her husband’s coaching career. She emphasized how Big Nick’s high standards pushed Nick to always strive for more, even when the path was difficult or uncertain. This formative influence helped mold Nick Saban into a methodical, focused, and relentless leader on and off the field.
A particularly pivotal moment came during Nick’s first year of graduate school at Kent State, when his father passed away unexpectedly. The loss was deeply personal, but it also served as a crucial turning point. With the guidance of Kent State head coach Don James, Nick Saban transitioned fully into coaching—a career path he might not have taken so seriously if not for his father’s early influence and untimely death.
Under Don James’ mentorship, Saban learned to apply his father’s teachings in a new context, combining strategic football acumen with the unyielding discipline that became his trademark. These qualities were hallmarks of his transformative tenure at Alabama, where he built one of the most dominant dynasties in college football history.
Terry Saban’s reflections offer a deeply personal look into the life and values that shaped Nick Saban. Through the lessons of “Big Nick,” a legacy of excellence, resilience, and leadership was born—forever etched into the story of college football.
