ESPN is set to premiere a six-part documentary series chronicling Nick Saban's 17 seasons at Alabama, where he captured six national championships.
The series debuts Thursday, October 10, and features nearly 90 interviews, including former assistants now leading SEC programs, former players, and Bill Belichick.
Saban participated in seven sit-down interviews during the two-year production, with filmmakers capturing roughly 20 hours of footage featuring him alone.
Director Russell Dinallo told USA TODAY Sports that the structure was intentional, moving between past and present to provide context while allowing viewers to experience key moments as they unfolded.
Unseen Footage and Key Moments
The documentary draws from previously unseen footage captured since Saban's arrival at Alabama in January 2007.
Notable scenes include footage from the 2018 national championship game against Georgia, when Saban made the bold decision to bench Jalen Hurts in favor of Tua Tagovailoa at halftime, leading to Alabama's overtime victory.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, who worked under Saban from 2016 to 2016 and again from 2019 to 2020, recently highlighted the influence of Saban's wife, Terry, on program decisions.
Sarkisian revealed that job candidates had to pass an official dinner interview with Terry Saban before receiving offers from Alabama.
"That's when you really get the stamp of approval. It doesn't really matter how much Coach Saban likes you.
Miss Terry's got to like you too," said Sarkisian, as reported by ESPN.
Sarkisian credited Saban with reviving his coaching career after he was fired from USC.
He thanked Saban in person after Texas defeated Alabama 34-24 in Tuscaloosa in 2023, a win that spearheaded Texas' run to the College Football Playoff.
"As great as it was for us to go and get that win, that would never have been possible without Nick Saban, ironically," Sarkisian said.
Terry Saban's influence extends beyond hiring decisions.
During a College GameDay segment in 2025, when host Pat McAfee mentioned a $50 million Penn State job offer, Terry, sitting in the audience, addressed the possibility directly.
"I have no doubt if Nick wanted to go back to coaching, he could win his eighth national championship.
But we're having too much fun, and we wouldn't want to take that opportunity away from all of our baby coaches, like Kirby Smart and Lane Kiffin," Terry Saban said.
Nick responded, "Mrs. Always Right has spoken," and Terry flashed a thumbs-up.
All six episodes stream on the ESPN App beginning Thursday at 6 p. m.
ET, with the remaining five episodes airing weekly through November 5 on ESPN.
The series draws comparisons to "The Last Dance" in its approach to storytelling, stepping aside frequently to let Saban explain events in his own words.
