Breaking News: A Film about Saban and His Career Will Debut on the Big Screen in a Limited Theatre Run. The Première of “Nick Saban: Gamechanger” Sponsored by Ford and Coca-Cola, Scheduled for the 24th of May.

In a move sure to stir the emotions of college football fans across the country—particularly those in Tuscaloosa—a film chronicling the legendary career of Nick Saban will be hitting the silver screen in a limited theatrical release. Titled “Nick Saban: Gamechanger,” the documentary-style feature will premiere on May 24th, with sponsorship backing from Ford Motor Company and Coca-Cola, two brands long associated with college football tradition.

This isn’t just another sports documentary. It’s a cinematic tribute to one of the most influential and successful coaches in college football history. “Nick Saban: Gamechanger” is being billed as an intimate, powerful look at the man who didn’t just coach a sport—he transformed it.

Produced by Red Point Media and directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Jonathan Hensley, the film delves into Saban’s rise from his modest beginnings in Fairmont, West Virginia, to his dominant reign at Alabama, where he built a dynasty that redefined excellence. The film is reported to span his early assistant coaching days, head coaching stints at Michigan State, LSU, the Miami Dolphins, and ultimately his 17-year tenure with the Crimson Tide.

“This film is not just about wins and trophies,” Hensley said in a press release. “It’s about the relentless pursuit of greatness, the price of leadership, and the evolution of a man who changed the game—not just for Alabama, but for an entire sport.”

The premiere on May 24th will be held in Tuscaloosa, naturally, at the Bama Theatre, where tickets for the special red-carpet event sold out in minutes. The limited release will run in select cities including Birmingham, Atlanta, New Orleans, Miami, and New York, with a streaming release expected later in the summer.

According to producers, the title “Gamechanger” speaks to more than just Saban’s play-calling or recruiting strategies. It references his total transformation of college football’s infrastructure—from nutrition and strength programs to mental conditioning and use of analytics.

He was a pioneer in building what insiders call the “Process,” a term that has come to define not just a coaching strategy but a cultural standard. The film reportedly dedicates an entire segment to exploring how Saban’s philosophy of consistency, accountability, and discipline resonated far beyond the locker room.

“Coach Saban was always five steps ahead,” said former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, who is interviewed in the film. “The way he prepared us for life, not just football, made him different. That’s what this film captures so well.”

“Nick Saban: Gamechanger” features interviews with an impressive roster of former players, coaches, rivals, and public figures. The list includes:

• Tua Tagovailoa
• Derrick Henry
• DeVonta Smith
• Kirby Smart
• Lane Kiffin
• Urban Meyer
• Paul Finebaum
• Rece Davis
• Condoleezza Rice
• Mark Ingram

Each shares anecdotes and perspectives on what it was like to work with—or compete against—Saban. Some of the film’s most emotional moments are said to come from heartfelt reflections by players whose lives were profoundly shaped by his mentorship.

Filming began in early 2023, before Saban’s surprise retirement announcement in January 2024. At that point, the project took on new weight. What was initially a mid-career retrospective turned into a historic final tribute.

The filmmakers were given unprecedented access to the Alabama football facilities, Saban’s office, and even his home. For many scenes, Saban himself provided voiceover narration, offering reflections on key turning points in his life—from his father’s tough love to the crushing loss in the 2013 “Kick Six” game against Auburn.

“We knew we had something special, but when Coach Saban announced his retirement, the tone of the film changed,” said co-producer Andrea Michaels. “It became a legacy piece, a message in his own words about what matters most.”

Corporate Powerhouses Join the Celebration

Ford and Coca-Cola, longtime staples of college football Saturdays, were quick to back the film’s production and release. Their logos will feature prominently at premiere events, and both brands have produced special commercials and tributes that will run before the film.

“Coach Saban represents values that align with our brand—excellence, consistency, and community,” said Ford’s Chief Marketing Officer Jim Farley. “We’re proud to help bring his story to the big screen.”

Coca-Cola is also launching a limited-edition “Crimson Classic” bottle featuring Saban’s likeness, which will be available at select theaters and university bookstores during the film’s run.

Reactions to the film’s announcement were swift and intense—especially in Alabama, where Saban is more than a coach. He is a cultural icon, credited not just with winning titles but with elevating the University of Alabama’s national profile, boosting enrollment, and inspiring a generation of leaders.

For many fans, the film will serve as both closure and celebration. Saban’s departure from the sidelines still feels fresh. The idea of seeing him again—even through a screen—is emotional for players and fans alike.

“This is a chance to say thank you in a different way,” said former linebacker Rolando McClain. “He wasn’t just our coach. He was our compass.”

“Nick Saban: Gamechanger” reportedly tackles several critical chapters in Saban’s life:

1. Roots and Values – His upbringing in a small West Virginia town and the lessons from his father’s service station business.
2. Learning the Craft – Assistant coaching stints under legends like Bill Belichick and how those years shaped his defensive mind.
3. First Wins and Harsh Losses – The LSU years, the 2003 national title, and the turbulence with the Miami Dolphins.
4. The Alabama Rebuild – Taking over a fractured program in 2007 and methodically building a dynasty.
5. The Process – A deep dive into Saban’s organizational structure, mental focus initiatives, and relentless recruiting.
6. Legacy and Life Beyond Football – His impact off the field, including philanthropic efforts and mentorship programs.

Beyond football, the film touches on how Saban navigated the shifting cultural and political landscape of the South during his tenure. From addressing racial tensions to evolving his views on the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), Saban was constantly adapting, even when it challenged his core instincts.

“He wasn’t stuck in his ways like people think,” said Paul Finebaum in the film. “He evolved. And that’s what great leaders do.”

Saban’s support for player rights, mental health resources, and academic achievement is highlighted as part of his broader legacy—not just as a coach, but as a builder of men.

After the limited theatre run, “Nick Saban: Gamechanger” is expected to hit major streaming platforms by late July. Early reports suggest that Netflix, Amazon Prime, and ESPN+ are all in negotiations for the rights.

The film is also expected to be submitted for awards consideration in several categories, including Best Sports Documentary and Best Original Score.

There are also discussions underway to expand the film’s reach into classrooms and leadership seminars. A shortened version may be used in business schools to teach lessons on management, discipline, and sustained success.

For nearly two decades, Nick Saban was the architect of one of the most formidable dynasties in sports. His sideline glare, press conference quips, and methodical genius became synonymous with the Alabama brand. But behind the stats and trophies was a man who demanded the best—from himself and from everyone around him.

“Nick Saban: Gamechanger” offers an unprecedented window into that journey—a story of grit, growth, and greatness. For longtime fans, it will be a must-watch. For newcomers, it will be a masterclass in leadership.

And for Saban himself? As he steps into retirement, this film may stand as the definitive word on a career that changed everything.

“I never set out to be a legend,” Saban says in the film’s trailer. “I just wanted to do things the right way. The rest took care of itself.”

On May 24th, the world will get to see how that legacy was built—frame by frame, game by game, year by year.