TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama head football coach Nick Saban was selected as one of seven finalists for the Paul “Bear” Bryant Collegiate Coach of the Year Award, The American Heart Association (AHA) and title sponsor Marathon Oil Corporation announced Thursday.
Saban, who won the Bryant Award in 2003, led the Crimson Tide to a 12-1 record this season, an SEC Championship and the No. 2 spot in the College Football Playoff final rankings. His defense has once again been one of the best in the country, ranking first nationally in rushing defense (74.0 yards per game), second in total defense (258.