Deion Sanders Reacts to Nick Saban's Alabama Retirement: 'Just Lost the GOAT'

The retirement of longtime Alabama coach Nick Saban sent shockwaves through the world of college football on Wednesday, and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders was among those to react to the news.

Sanders took to social media to pay homage to Saban, who he described as the GOAT:

Sanders wasn't alone in holding Saban to such high esteem. Former Alabama running back Mark Ingram II also posted a message to his former coach:

The GOAT moniker is appropriate for Saban, as he won a record seven national championships over his illustrious career. The 72-year-old went 292-71-1 in 28 seasons as a college head coach, ranking sixth all-time on the FBS wins list and 12th in college football history regardless of division. He ends his career with 12 conference titles (11 SEC, 1 MAC) and 19 bowl game wins.

Saban is coming off his 17th season at Alabama, which ended with a loss to eventual national champion Michigan in the Rose Bowl. His 201 wins with the Crimson Tide ties him with former Georgia coach Vince Dooley for second-most in SEC history behind the legendary Bear Bryant, who won 232 games in 25 seasons at Alabama.

Under Saban's leadership, Alabama has produced a slew of NFL stars, as 44 players have been selected in the first round of the NFL draft. 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young was the Crimson Tide's first player to be selected with the top pick in the Common Draft era (since 1967). Saban has produced a total of 49 first-round picks in his career, the most by a single head coach.

Now, Saban gets to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. It remains to be seen if there will ever be a coach to succeed him as college football's GOAT.