Net Worth Ranker
What is Nick Saban’s Net Worth?
Nick Saban, a celebrated figure in American college football, boasts a net worth of $80 million. This substantial wealth has been accumulated through a combination of his lucrative coaching career, endorsements, and business ventures.
Nick Saban’s Coaching Career and Earnings
Saban’s coaching journey began in the early 1970s. His first head coaching position was at the University of Toledo in 1990. He achieved a significant breakthrough with Michigan State University, where he served as head coach from 1995 to 1999. His tenure at LSU, from 2000 to 2004, was marked by significant success, including a BCS National Championship in 2003. He briefly ventured into the NFL as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2005-2006 but returned to college football with the University of Alabama in 2007. Nick Saban’s impact on college football is undeniable. He is considered one of the greatest coaches of all time.
During his remarkable 16-season tenure at the University of Alabama, Nick Saban amassed approximately $130 million in salary and bonuses. This figure underscores his value to the university and the sport as a whole. In June 2014, Saban solidified his commitment to Alabama by signing a contract extension that kept him at the school through 2022. This restructured deal was valued at $55.2 million, averaging $6.9 million per year in base salary, a significant increase from his previous $5.6 million annual salary. The contract included a clause that stipulated Alabama would be liable for $23 million even if he was terminated.
In 2017, Nick Saban’s earnings reached $11.5 million, making him the highest-paid college football coach and the highest-paid public employee in Alabama. His earnings rivaled those of coaches in the NFL and NBA. Here’s a breakdown of his earnings during that period:
- 2017: $11.5 million
- 2018: $7.15 million
- 2019: $7.55 million
- 2020: $7.55 million
- 2021: $10.35 million
- 2022: $11.2 million
- 2023: $11.7 million
In June 2021, Nick Saban inked a new 8-year contract with Alabama, valued at $70.6 million, with a base salary of $8.8 million. Just over a year later, in August 2022, he signed an extension that ballooned his contract to $93.6 million, translating to an average annual salary of $11.7 million. Despite these long-term commitments, Saban announced his retirement from Alabama in January 2024, only two seasons into the 8-year contract.
His meticulous coaching style, marked by discipline, hard work, and attention to detail, has been a hallmark of his success. Nick announced he was retiring from Alabama in January 2024.
Nick Saban’s Business Ventures: Dream Motor Group
Beyond the football field, Nick Saban has ventured into the business world as co-owner of Dream Motor Group, a luxury car dealership chain specializing primarily in Mercedes-Benz. While the exact details of Saban’s ownership stake remain private, the group has made significant strides in the automotive industry. In November 2023, Dream Motor Group acquired two Mercedes-Benz dealerships in South Florida for a staggering $700 million. These dealerships are located in Coral Gables and Cutler Bay. This acquisition significantly expanded their presence in the region and cemented their position as a major player in the luxury car market.
Some Dream Motor Group locations offer the exclusive “Nick Saban Signature Series” of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. These vehicles feature customizations selected by Saban, appealing to fans and luxury car enthusiasts. The group operates nine dealerships across the Southern United States:
- Alabama: Two dealerships in Birmingham
- Louisiana: One dealership in Baton Rouge
- Florida: Two dealerships in Coral Gables and Cutler Bay (recently acquired)
- Tennessee: One dealership in Nashville
- Texas: One dealership in Houston
The exact details of Saban’s ownership stake in Dream Motor Group are not publicly available.
Nick Saban’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 31, 1951, in Fairmont, West Virginia, Nick Saban was raised in the town of Monongah alongside his sister. He attended West Virginia State University before transferring to Kent State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in sports administration in 1975. During his time at Kent State, he played defensive back for the football team under coach Don James.
Nick Saban’s coaching career began with assistant coaching roles at Syracuse University, West Virginia University, Ohio State University, the Naval Academy, and Michigan State University from 1977 to 1987. His initial aspiration was to become the head coach at Kent State, but he was passed over for Dick Crum. After a brief stint as assistant coach for the Houston Oilers in the NFL, Saban accepted the head coaching position at the University of Toledo in 1989, leading the team to a successful season in 1990 with only two losses. Following this, he served as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns for four years, a period he later described as one of the worst in his career.
Just before the 1995 season, Saban became the head coach for Michigan State University. In 2004, Nick Saban returned to the NFL once again as the new head coach for the Miami Dolphins. The team struggled during the first season, and injuries made the second season even more disappointing. In 2007, Saban officially began his tenure as head coach of the Crimson Tide. He then led the team to a perfect second season with a 12-0 win record. The team then made it to the SEC Championship game, and Nick won a number of Coach of the Year awards.
Nick Saban’s Real Estate Portfolio
In 2007, Nick Saban and his wife, Terry, purchased a home in Tuscaloosa for approximately $2.9 million. In 2013, they sold the 8,700-square-foot property to the Crimson Tide Foundation for $3.1 million as part of Saban’s agreement with the university. He continued to reside in the property, with the Crimson Tide Foundation covering property taxes and other fees.
Nick Saban has also invested in real estate on Lake Burton in the North Georgia Mountains. He once owned a 9,600-square-foot property with 1.7 acres of land and over 700 feet of lake frontage. In 2013, he sold this home at auction for just under $11 million. At the time of the auction, the Saban family already owned a second home on Lake Burton with a similar value.
In the spring of 2023, Nick Saban acquired a $17.5 million beachfront home on Jupiter Island in Florida. The 6,200-square-foot house was initially listed at $21.5 million.
Nick Saban’s Personal Life and Philanthropy
Nick Saban and his wife, Terry, have been married for over 50 years and have two children: Nicholas and Kristen. Together, they co-founded the Nick’s Kids Foundation, which raised over $1 million during Saban’s first three years at Alabama. This philanthropic endeavor reflects their commitment to supporting children and communities in need.
