When Nick Saban walked away from coaching, most figured it was time for him to trade the headset for a hammock. But no chance. At 73, the GOAT coach is still in game mode. His latest arena is the media world, currently excelling behind the mic as he breaks down film on College GameDay. But while his 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa made a dynasty that may never be duplicated, Saban is not yet done with Alabama. Along with his wife, Miss Terry, Saban is writing his next chapter with a greater purpose than football. Their latest mission? Building a children’s learning center, a legacy-defining project. And in typical Saban style, he is not content with simply watching the project be built from afar.

Tuscaloosa’s River Market is getting a major upgrade. The long-awaited Saban Center is officially on the rise, with construction underway. It will be part of the $150 million interactive hub and learning center in Tuscaloosa. The doors will open in the year 2027, as per official expectations. It unites Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre, IGNITE’s interactive exhibits and, most importantly, the Alabama STEM Hub under one roof.

On October 9, Nick’s Kids Foundation shared an unexpected news. Saban and Miss Terry went down for a visit and toured the construction site themselves to check on the progress. It shows how close this project is to their hearts. Then they met with Justin Drummond and the team who are turning this dream into reality. And Saban’s thoughts on the work so far? “One word, FABULOUS!” said Nick to his wife. The legendary coach may have stepped away from the sideline, but old habits die hard.

The center will act as a hub for students and educators across the state of Alabama. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, and attend STEM showcases. Teachers receive cutting-edge training, while students find clear pathways from their interests to real-world careers. Simply put, the center is shaping the innovators of tomorrow.

The Saban Center is coming to life thanks to a mix of public and private backing. Elevate Tuscaloosa chipped in $42 million, with a 1% sales tax to boost education, transport, and fund other initiatives. The State of Alabama gave $25 million. On top of that, among the private donors, the Miss Terry’s Set Foundation raised $15 million. Construction partners for the project are Stone Building Company, Steinberg Hart, and Volkert Inc. After completion, this project is set to impact the lives of over 30,000 children in Tuscaloosa. While Saban is busy giving back to the community, he has received a new honor.

A new honor for Nick Saban

Nick Saban’s legacy in Tuscaloosa is already legendary. But now, the GOAT has made his mark in the world of paleontology. How? A crab fossil from a prehistoric era was found in Lowndes County, Alabama. It’s 65 million years old. The crab is named “costacopluma nicksabani” and is affectionately dubbed the Saban crab. But why Saban?

The find was spearheaded by Adiel A. Klompmaker. “I decided, let’s name it after a very famous person here to give him some extra honor, because he deserves it,” explained Klompmaker. He knows Saban’s impact beyond the football field.

“There are many things that are admirable about Saban, such as his success as the University’s football coach and his educational foundations. It’s quite amazing what he always achieves for Alabama and for the University,” praised the UA curator of paleontology. From football fields to fossils, Nick Saban’s name continues to leave an unforgettable imprint.