Nick Saban Reveals Heartbreaking Personal News to Fans

Alabama’s legendary head coach Nick Saban announced the tragic loss of a close family member on Thursday, sending ripples of sorrow through the sports community as the Crimson Tide nation rallied to show support for their enduring leader.

Mary Saban Pasko, Saban’s mother, passed away at age 92, according to an obituary obtained by AL.com. A passionate supporter of sports, Mary and her husband Nick raised two children, Dene (Leroy) Thompson and Nick (Terry) Saban, and she enjoyed the companionship of four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Both her first husband Nick and her second husband Bobby Pasko had also preceded her in death, as noted in the obituary.

Members of the Saban clan began sharing their heartfelt tributes online as news of Mary’s passing spread. Kristen Saban shared a touching Instagram post with a photo of her grandmother and a clip of her favorite song, “Heaven by Noon.”

Born in 1932, Mary opened her heart and home from a young age. She was born to Jane and Harry Conaway and spent her formative years in Farmington, West Virginia, marrying her high school classmate Nick. He became a baseball standout and initiated the town’s first Pop Warner football league, eventually coaching his son Nick into a football great.

Mary encouraged her son Nick to engage in sports with Dene, always aware that Dene was the more gifted athlete. Their mother actively supported the team, managing the concession stand and celebrating the triumphs of both boys. This nurturing environment would become a cornerstone of Saban’s future success and character. The family requests that supporters consider donating to Nick’s Kids Foundation at nickskidsfoundation.org or by mail at 1130 University Blvd., Ste. B9-201, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

Saban’s upbringing laid the foundation for a prosperous collegiate football career at Kent State, where he played football and baseball from 1970 to 1972. He held the safety position during the team’s 1972 MAC Championship appearance, which culminated in a loss to the University of Tampa in the Tangerine Bowl. After his playing days, Saban transitioned to coaching, spending eight years in the NFL, including a stint under future Patriots coach Bill Belichick with the Cleveland Browns, before returning to college football. He has led the Crimson Tide since 2007 and achieved an unparalleled reputation, steering Alabama to BCS and AP national championships in 2009, 2011, 2012, as well as College Football Playoff championships in 2015, 2017, and 2020. As of now, his coaching record stands at an impressive 292–71–1, the best among head coaches in the sport.

“When we lose our mothers, we lose a piece of ourselves. Their love is irreplaceable,” said former player and current coach, believing in the enduring legacy of maternal love and support in the lives of athletes.