Nick Saban

   
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Nick Saban, 56, is head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.  His lack of success as head coach of the Miami Dolphins of the NFL did not dissuade the Alabama Football folks from pursuing him.  Saban first made his name at Michigan State when he won the Big Ten title in 1999.  He was then hired at LSU to coach in LSU's Tiger Stadium.  It was there that Saban cemented his name as a successful college football coach.  In only his second year at LSU, Saban won the first ever SEC Championship Game for LSU, upsetting a heavily favored Tennessee squad.  Two years later, he brought LSU their first national championship in 45 years.  He was awarded by LSU with the highest paying contract in NCAA history.