Throwback Thursday: Saban fired from Ohio State

(AP)

On Jan. 7, 1982, a little-known assistant was fired from Ohio State’s football staff:

#TBT Jan. 7, 1982. pic.twitter.com/FFJBFW7R8a
— The War Eagle Reader (@wareaglereader) August 13, 2015

Nick Saban had just completed his second season as defensive backs coach under Earle Bruce. The Buckeyes finished 9-3 in 1981 and a No. 12 ranking in the Coaches Poll.

As we all know, that was not Saban’s final gig. He would continue to bounce around as an assistant for the staffs of Navy, Michigan State, the Houston Oilers, Toledo and the Cleveland Browns before landing his first coaching gig with Michigan State. He’s been a head coach ever since, also leading LSU and the Miami Dolphins before settling down in Tuscaloosa.

He’s now considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all-time, winning four national championships – including three with his current program, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

And to think, 33 years ago his career was just a footnote buried in a paragraph of the sports page.

Follow Adam Krohn on Twitter.

About the Author

Adam Krohn

Former AJC sports writer, publicist Norman Arey dies at 84

Arey worked for the AJC on at least three separate occasions. In his final return to the newspaper, he co-wrote a hugely popular Atlanta society column called "Peach Buzz."

Weekend Predictions: Make it a sweep for Falcons, Georgia, Tech

Falcons, Bulldogs, Yellow Jackets all predicted to win in weekend matchups against the 49ers, Ole Miss and Duke.

The ‘prettiest little’ game day experience. How one Georgia G5 woos donors.

To attract the revenue to stay competitive at college football's top level, Georgia Southern is leaning into its game day experience and the personality of Kyle Merrero.

The Latest