Breaking Information: Nick Saban: Gamechanger, a movie on Saban and his career, will make its big screen debut on the 24th as part of a limited theatrical run supported by Ford and Coca-Cola.

In a moment destined to echo across college football history, the iconic story of Nick Saban—the architect of a modern dynasty—is headed to the silver screen. The feature-length film, Nick Saban: Gamechanger, will make its theatrical debut on the 24th of this month as part of a limited release, backed by corporate giants Ford and Coca-Cola. For Alabama fans, college football enthusiasts, and sports lovers across the country, this cinematic tribute promises to be more than just a documentary; it’s a celebration of a legacy that transformed a sport, a university, and a generation of players.

Few names are as synonymous with success as Nick Saban. Over the course of a coaching career that spanned nearly five decades, Saban rose from humble beginnings in West Virginia to become one of the most revered figures in sports history. With seven national championships to his name—six at Alabama and one at LSU—Saban’s relentless pursuit of excellence redefined what it meant to win in college football.

The new film, produced by Emmy-winning sports documentarian Peter Berg and narrated by Academy Award-winner Matthew McConaughey, captures the essence of Saban’s journey. It weaves archival footage, exclusive interviews, and never-before-seen locker room moments into a powerful portrait of leadership, discipline, and purpose.

To ensure the film reaches a wide and diverse audience, Nick Saban: Gamechanger is being promoted through a high-profile partnership with Ford Motor Company and Coca-Cola. These two American brands, each with its own storied legacy, have committed to supporting the film’s limited theatrical run through targeted marketing, community engagement campaigns, and a multi-platform digital push.

Ford, which already has deep roots in the college football ecosystem through its longstanding ties with the SEC, sees the partnership as an alignment of values. “Nick Saban represents what it means to be Built Ford Tough,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “His commitment to resilience, grit, and building a team-first culture echoes our own mission. We’re proud to help tell his story.”

Coca-Cola, meanwhile, has long been a fixture in Southern sports culture. The Atlanta-based company is planning regional screenings in Atlanta, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Baton Rouge, with special appearances by Saban himself and former players from throughout his career.

Nick Saban: Gamechanger is not a puff piece. Instead, it’s a thoughtful, often introspective exploration of a man who was never satisfied with yesterday’s success. It dives into the complex psychology that fueled his coaching—his use of the “Process,” his intolerance for complacency, and his ability to turn five-star recruits into disciplined contributors. The film also examines his impact beyond the field, including his mentorship of young men, his philanthropic efforts, and his influential voice on matters of education and ethics in sports.

“We wanted to go beyond the trophies and the headlines,” said director Peter Berg. “This is a story about how one man’s obsessive focus, strategic genius, and emotional intensity built something that will last far beyond his own career. Nick Saban isn’t just a coach—he’s a cultural force.”

Adding to the film’s allure is its all-star lineup of interviewees. Former Alabama players like Julio Jones, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young reflect on how Saban shaped their lives both on and off the field. Other coaching legends, including Bill Belichick and Urban Meyer, provide rare insight into what made Saban different.

There’s also a deeply personal element. Saban’s wife, Terry, known affectionately as “Miss Terry,” speaks at length about the sacrifices, pressures, and triumphs that came with being the coach’s closest confidant. “This film isn’t just about football,” she says during one moving segment. “It’s about the pursuit of greatness and the cost of achieving it.”

The movie chronicles Saban’s beginnings in Fairmont, West Virginia, where he was raised in a blue-collar family that valued hard work and discipline. It charts his early coaching jobs—from Kent State to Michigan State—before highlighting his breakthrough at LSU, where he led the Tigers to a national title in 2003.

But the heart of the film, as expected, lies in his Alabama era. When Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2007, the Crimson Tide program was at a crossroads. Within two years, he had Alabama back on top. The movie meticulously covers Alabama’s national championship seasons, its legendary rivalries with Auburn and LSU, and the heartbreaks that served as motivation for future triumphs.

The 2011 BCS National Championship rematch against LSU, the 2020 pandemic-season run, and the dynasty’s 2017 comeback win over Georgia in the CFP title game each receive extended treatment, with behind-the-scenes footage adding drama and context.

In contrast to the cold, steely persona often associated with Saban in media interviews, the film offers moments of warmth, humor, and vulnerability. A particularly striking sequence shows Saban interacting with young fans at youth camps, where his sharp wit and patience with kids are on full display.

Another sequence follows Saban during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating the unique challenges of coaching during uncertain times. His emphasis on player health, mental resilience, and consistency during that chaotic period reveals the depth of his leadership.

“You see a guy who’s in total control, even when the world isn’t,” says McConaughey in the narration. “He didn’t just coach football—he led men through chaos.”

The limited theatrical run will feature community events tied to the screenings. In Tuscaloosa, Bryant-Denny Stadium will host an outdoor premiere event with a live Q&A featuring Saban and the filmmakers. Ford is sponsoring “Drive-In with the Tide” nights across several SEC campuses, where fans can watch the film from their vehicles while enjoying tailgate-themed giveaways.

Coca-Cola will launch a special-edition “Saban Legacy” bottle, with proceeds going to the Nick’s Kids Foundation, which has donated millions to children’s causes throughout Alabama.

Social media buzz is already climbing, with trailers for the film trending across platforms and former players using hashtags like #GamechangerFilm and #SabanStory to promote the project.

Although the movie celebrates Saban’s storied past, it also raises questions about his post-coaching life. After retiring in January 2024, Saban transitioned into an analyst role with ESPN and took on increased responsibilities at Alabama’s leadership development programs.

The film’s final act hints that Saban is not finished shaping the sport. His influence in matters of NIL policy, transfer portal reform, and athlete development continues to loom large. Even in retirement, his voice carries weight.

“It’s not about coaching football anymore,” Saban says in a rare closing monologue. “It’s about making sure the game stays true to what it’s always been—a place where kids can grow, compete, and learn how to be accountable.”

While the film has not yet had a wide release, early reviews from private screenings have been glowing. Sports Illustrated called it “a masterclass in biographical filmmaking,” and The Athletic lauded it as “the definitive story of the most impactful coach of the 21st century.”

There’s already speculation that the film could earn awards consideration in the sports documentary category during next year’s Emmys or even Oscars, depending on its broader release strategy. Its compelling narrative, cinematic quality, and emotional depth certainly make it a contender.

For generations of Alabama fans, Nick Saban: Gamechanger is more than a movie—it’s a moment of reflection and celebration. For those outside the Crimson Tide circle, it’s a rare opportunity to understand what made one man’s leadership so transformational in the most competitive environment in sports.