Nick Saban, the seven-time national championship coach, rarely discusses setbacks. On Friday he made an exception, opening up about the only time he was ever fired.
Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Saban reflected on his brief tenure as defensive backs coach at Ohio State under Earle Bruce and took complete ownership of the outcome.
“I got fired when I was a defensive backs coach at Ohio State. I actually love Ohio State and I loved it when I coached there. It was my fault and I can’t blame anybody else for that,” Saban said.
What Happened
Saban joined the Buckeyes staff in 1980 after coaching defensive backs at West Virginia. He replaced Pete Carroll, who had left to become defensive coordinator at North Carolina State. Still in his late 20s, Saban was already known as a detailed teacher of secondary play.
Ohio State went 9-3 in both 1980 and 1981, sharing the Big Ten title in the latter season. The defense, however, regressed. After allowing 15.1 points per game in 1980, that number rose to 21.1 in 1981. Opponents averaged more than 276 passing yards per game that year.
The breaking point came in the 1981 Liberty Bowl. Favored Ohio State beat Navy 31-28 in rainy conditions, but the Midshipmen — a run-heavy team that averaged fewer than 50 passing yards per game during the regular season — threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns against Saban’s secondary.
The next morning, Bruce dismissed the entire defensive staff, including coordinator Dennis Fryzel, defensive line coach Steve Szabo, and Saban.
Why This Matters
Saban’s willingness to accept full responsibility decades later aligns with the accountability he later demanded from players and assistants during his championship runs. The episode also humanizes a coach often viewed as nearly infallible.
Despite the abrupt end, Saban has consistently expressed affection for Ohio State and respect for Bruce.
Key Details Fans Need to Know
Saban has previously said he tried to install complex coverages with a young group of underclassmen, pushing the unit faster than it was ready to handle. He has described the experience as a formative lesson in meeting a head coach’s expectations and simplifying when necessary.
After the firing he quickly landed as defensive backs coach at Navy in 1982, then rose to defensive coordinator at Michigan State before becoming a head coach at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU, and Alabama.
His college head-coaching record finished at 292-71-1 with national titles at LSU (2003) and six more at Alabama (2009–2020). He also coached in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins.
Following Bruce’s death in 2018, Saban praised him as a great teacher and competitor who helped shape his approach. Bruce’s coaching tree also included Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, Dom Capers, and Pete Carroll.
What Happens Next
Saban continues his role as a college football analyst and co-host on ESPN’s “College GameDay.” Moments like the McAfee appearance offer rare personal insight into the early struggles that preceded one of the most dominant coaching careers in the sport’s history.
The Bigger Picture
From an unemployed 30-year-old assistant in December 1981 to a coach with seven national championships, Saban’s path remains one of the more remarkable trajectories in college football. The Ohio State firing, which he frames as entirely self-inflicted, now serves as a footnote that underscores his emphasis on personal accountability.
Few fans associate Saban with failure. His own words on the subject make clear he has never forgotten the lesson.
FAQ Section
Was Nick Saban ever fired? Yes. He was dismissed as defensive backs coach at Ohio State after the 1981 season.
Why was Nick Saban fired by Ohio State? Head coach Earle Bruce dismissed the entire defensive staff after defensive struggles, particularly in the secondary, culminating in a poor performance against Navy in the Liberty Bowl.
Did Nick Saban blame anyone else? No. He took full responsibility, saying, “It was my fault and I can’t blame anybody else for that.”
How did Saban’s career recover? He coached at Navy the next year, then rose through coordinator and head-coaching roles, eventually winning seven national titles.
Does Saban still have positive feelings about Ohio State? Yes. He has said he loved coaching there and has spoken respectfully about Earle Bruce over the years.
