This Marion County native grew up in Ida May helping at his family's gas station and restaurant. He played football at Monongah High and led his team to a state title in 1968. Though he dreamed of playing for WVU, he went to Kent State, where he played defensive back and met his wife, Terry.

Saban began coaching in college and the NFL, including a short stint at WVU. He won a national title as a head coach at LSU in 2003 and later built a dynasty at Alabama, winning six more championships from 2009 to 2019. He retired in 2024 with a record seven college national titles.

Nick and Terry Saban started Nick’s Kids Foundation, which has donated over $11 million to children’s programs and schools.