As a longtime football fanatic, I‘m always interested in learning more about the coaches and figures behind the greatest teams and players. Lately, I‘ve been fascinated by Nick Saban‘s unparalleled success at the University of Alabama.
Nick Saban has dominated college football for over a decade, winning six national championships with the Crimson Tide. But I started to wonder, who is the woman behind this legendary coach? Just how old is Nick Saban‘s wife Terry, and what has her impact been?
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll provide insightful background on Terry Saban‘s age and her vital part in Nick‘s career. Whether you‘re a diehard fan or just generally interested in football, you‘ll come away with a deep appreciation for Terry‘s supportive role.
At 69 Years Old, Terry Saban Remains a Guiding Light
To quickly answer the question posed in the title – Nick Saban‘s wife Terry is currently 69 years old.
Terry Saban (née Constable) was born on November 23, 1953 in West Virginia. She and Nick first met in middle school at around 12 or 13 years old.
Although she is nearing 70 years of age, Terry remains a passionate and active woman dedicated to her family, education, philanthropy and supporting Nick‘s coaching. She has been a vital source of strength and guidance for Nick throughout his unparalleled career.
Terry may work behind the scenes, but make no mistake – she has been pivotal to Alabama‘s success and Nick‘s rise to becoming a living legend in college football.
From High School Sweethearts to 50 Years of Marriage
To appreciate Terry‘s role, it helps to understand her long history with Nick. Their love story began all the way back in 7th grade in West Virginia.
Terry was a majorette in the band and Nick played football at a young age. During high school at Fairmont High, Nick was a standout football, basketball and baseball player.
According to Nick, they literally grew up together in West Virginia. Terry has said Nick was her first and only boyfriend – it was love at first sight.
After graduation, Terry and Nick both attended college at Kent State University. Nick played defensive back while studying physical education. During this time in the late 1960s, Terry helped support Nick financially by working various jobs.
On December 18, 1971, Terry and Nick were married at Nick‘s hometown church in West Virginia. In 2024, the couple celebrated 51 years of marriage. Their enduring partnership is truly inspirational.
As Nick said, "Terry and I have been together since we were 14. We have shared experiences that make our relationship work. We understand each other really well."
Building a Family Through Thick and Thin
Another major pillar of Terry and Nick‘s lives is their family. In 1973, while Nick was a graduate assistant coach at Kent State, they welcomed their first child Nicholas Saban Jr. Three years later, daughter Kristen Saban was born in 1976.
Raising a family while building a coaching career has always involved plenty of challenges and long-distance moves. But Terry and Nick made it a priority to keep family at the center, even with Nick‘s hectic recruiting and practice schedule.
"We’re going to enjoy the time we have together, even if it’s not the perfect way," Terry said of their family commitment.
Today, both Nick Jr. and Kristen are grown with families of their own. But they cherish the tight-knit family environment their parents cultivated growing up.
Terry Saban: The Glue That Holds It All Together
In my opinion, Terry Saban is the glue that holds their family and Nick‘s career together. She supports Nick unwaveringly, while also finding time for philanthropic endeavors and her passion for academics.
Throughout Nick‘s early coaching days, Terry worked multiple jobs to provide extra income. “When I wasn’t coaching, she was working,” Nick said. “That’s what we had to do to make ends meet.”
When Nick became head coach at Toledo in 1990, Terry left her job selling computers to focus her efforts on helping Nick succeed. She became the ultimate coach‘s wife – hosting events, mentoring players, and even sending cookies to recruits.
Meanwhile, Terry also earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. She put this into practice by teaching English Literature courses at the University of Michigan State, LSU, and Alabama.
Terry‘s contributions to Nick‘s career are immeasurable. As Nick says, “Terry does everything for me. She’s been the secret to our success.”
By the Numbers: Terry and Nick Saban‘s Success in Stats
Let‘s take a numerical look at Terry and Nick Saban‘s accomplishments over their 50+ years together:
- 14 – Seasons Nick has spent as Alabama‘s head coach since 2007
- 6 – National championships won by Nick Saban with Alabama
- 161 – Nick‘s total wins at Alabama, the most of any coach in school history
- 15 – Consecutive seasons with double digit wins by Alabama under Nick Saban
- 5 – SEC championships won by Alabama coached by Nick
- 2 – Children, Nicholas Jr. and Kristen, that Terry and Nick raised together
- 51 – Years Terry and Nick have been happily married
- 69 – Terry Saban‘s age now, though she remains energetic as ever
- Over $7 million – Amount donated by the Nick‘s Kids Foundation that Terry started
- 9 – Total assistant coaching jobs held by Nick before becoming a head coach
The numbers speak for themselves – Terry and Nick make an unstoppable team!
Terry Saban: The Woman Behind the Scenes
Terry Saban shies away from the spotlight, but her contributions at Alabama are monumental. She‘s at every home and away game providing moral support.
For instance, Terry organizes events for recruits and their families on official visits. She sends personal notes to motivate players. During games, Terry even scrutinizes the action and offers Nick advice at halftime.
"Terry’s right there during the game," said Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne. "If we’ve had a bad series, I’ll look over at her and she’ll say, ‘What’s going on?’"
Some call her the “First Lady of Alabama Football,” but Terry‘s role goes far deeper. She actively keeps track of recruits to help with Nick‘s roster management. According to Nick, “Terry knows more about recruiting than I do.”
The support goes both ways. “I’m proud of Nick and he’s proud of me,” Terry said.
The Wise Woman Behind the Legendary Coach
In his early 70s, Nick Saban remains at the top of his game. His continued success can be attributed in large part to having Terry by his side.
Her guidance and counsel for over 50 years has kept Nick grounded. She is his trusted confidant to offer perspective and advice.
"When we have to make a decision, I‘ll ask Terry and we‘ll talk about it,” Nick explained. “She doesn‘t make the decisions, but she‘ll give input.”
Terry‘s role cannot be understated. A legendary coach like Nick Saban is nothing without a strong support system behind the scenes. Terry Saban is clearly the wise woman behind the man.
Terry‘s Pride and Joy: Giving Back Through Philanthropy
Aside from supporting Nick‘s career, Terry Saban has always made philanthropy and academics a priority. This reflects her caring spirit and passion for education.
In 1999, while Nick was coaching at Michigan State, Terry established the Nick’s Kids Foundation. This philanthropic organization has now donated over $7 million to help disadvantaged children.
Once Nick joined Alabama, Terry focused Nick‘s Kids on supporting youth organizations in Alabama. This included grants for the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Alberta Head Start program.
"I’m so proud of the Nick’s Kids Foundation," said Terry. "It’s a full circle: coaches coming into a community, embracing that community and giving back."
The Quest for Knowledge: Terry‘s Academic Background
Given her passion for learning, it‘s no surprise Terry Saban pursued higher education even amidst a busy family life. After starting as an elementary school teacher, she steadily expanded her academics.
Here‘s an overview of Terry Saban‘s educational background:
- Bachelor‘s degree in Science – Kent State University
- Master‘s degree in Education – Kent State University
- PhD in Educational Leadership – University of Alabama
In addition to her degrees, Terry became certified as a college instructor and taught English Literature at schools such as Michigan State and the University of Alabama.
Terry‘s advanced academics and teaching credentials have enabled her to evaluate players through an educational lens. No doubt this has been invaluable in supporting Nick‘s program.
Conclusion: An Inspiring Partnership for the Ages
There‘s no question that Terry Saban‘s vital support and guidance has enabled Nick to achieve unprecedented success as a college football coach. Her contributions in his career and dedication to family are truly inspiring.
At 69 years old, Terry remains filled with energy and passion. It has been my honor to share more about this incredible woman‘s life in this extensive profile.
The partnership and love between Terry and Nick should motivate us all to find a supportive spouse. Terry is the perfect complement to Nick – she is his confidant, voice of reason and detail-oriented adviser.
So the next time you hear the name Nick Saban, remember the wise woman who has stood behind him for over 50 remarkable years. Terry Saban is the true definition of a life partner. Her role in Alabama football history ultimately can‘t be defined by a number.
