Nick Saban Admits He Doesn't Know What 'Roll Tide' Means in New Alabama Documentary

Legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban revealed that he doesn't know the meaning of the school's "Roll Tide" rallying cry.

"I don't know," Saban said in ESPN's new Saban documentary. "I really don't. I honestly don't know. I just assumed that, what does 'Roll' mean and what is 'Tide?' So it's the strength of the ocean coming in, I guess? I don't know."

Saban won six national championships across his 17 seasons patrolling the sidelines for the Crimson Tide from 2007-23.

He ended his tenure at Alabama with a 206-29 overall record.

The school's Crimson Tide nickname originated during a game against Auburn in 1907, as soggy conditions led to a sea of red mud that stained Alabama's white jerseys and led to sports editor Hugh Roberts reportedly writing that the team played like a "Crimson Tide."

The "Roll Tide" phrase references the nickname, linking it to ocean tides rolling in and out.

While Saban may not be familiar with the background of the rallying cry, he's heard it from fans around the world.

"It's something to say about the brand that we have, an iconic brand, the Crimson Tide," Saban said in 2023, per 247Sports' Charlie Potter. "You get 'Roll Tide' in Venice, Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast. It's everywhere I went. It says something about the brand. I don't know what it says about me."

Alabama has gone 25-8 since Saban's departure, currently owning a 5-0 record during its 2026 campaign.