Netflix Releases Highly Anticipated Documentary on Alabama’s Nick Saban, Titled *”THE LEGENDARY COACH,”* Set for Global Release on May 25

In what promises to be one of the most compelling sports documentaries of the year, Netflix is set to release “THE LEGENDARY COACH,” an in-depth and emotional tribute to Alabama’s iconic head football coach, Nick Saban. Slated for a global premiere on May 25, the documentary will chronicle the journey of a man whose name has become synonymous with college football excellence.

From his early coaching roots to transforming Alabama into a modern dynasty, “THE LEGENDARY COACH” pulls back the curtain on Saban’s life, coaching philosophy, personal challenges, and enduring legacy. With unprecedented access, never-before-seen footage, and heartfelt interviews from players, family members, coaches, and rivals, the film goes far beyond the sideline and into the soul of a coach who forever changed the game.

Nick Saban’s name is etched in college football history as one of the most dominant and influential figures the sport has ever seen. With seven national championships—six with Alabama and one with LSU—Saban’s accolades speak for themselves. Yet, the documentary focuses on more than just wins and trophies. It examines how Saban built not only championship programs, but also leaders, men of character, and a new standard for college football programs nationwide.

Narrated by acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman, the documentary takes a reverent yet honest approach to telling Saban’s story, exploring both the myth and the man. Director Ava DuVernay, known for her nuanced storytelling and emotional depth, leads the project with a vision to humanize a figure often portrayed solely through his competitive lens.

“THE LEGENDARY COACH” begins with Saban’s humble beginnings in Fairmont, West Virginia. Through archival footage and intimate interviews with childhood friends and family members, viewers get a sense of the values instilled in him from a young age: discipline, work ethic, and accountability.

The film follows his early coaching journey—starting as a graduate assistant at Kent State, rising through the NFL ranks, and then returning to college football. Each chapter of Saban’s career is presented not only through game film but also through behind-the-scenes insights. Former players from Toledo, Michigan State, LSU, and Alabama provide personal anecdotes, describing how Saban’s attention to detail, consistency, and demanding nature reshaped their lives.

One especially powerful segment focuses on Saban’s brief and controversial stint with the Miami Dolphins. Saban himself reflects on the decision to leave the NFL and return to the college ranks—a decision that would go on to define an era.

The heart of the documentary is, unsurprisingly, his time at Alabama. When Saban took over in 2007, the program was mired in mediocrity and inconsistency. Within two years, Alabama was back on top, winning the 2009 national championship and ushering in a period of dominance the likes of which had never been seen.

The documentary dissects each of the Crimson Tide’s national titles under Saban: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020. But more importantly, it illustrates how each team had its own identity and how Saban adapted to evolving challenges—whether it was transitioning to a more modern offense, incorporating NIL and transfer portal strategies, or adjusting his leadership style with each new generation of players.

One particularly emotional moment comes when Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith discusses the 2020 COVID-impacted season, reflecting on the unity and focus Saban instilled during uncertain times.

Former quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also shares raw memories of the 2017 national championship comeback win over Georgia, saying, “Coach Saban never lets you get too high or too low. That halftime speech—that changed everything. He believed in me when I was just a freshman.”

Beyond the X’s and O’s, the documentary examines the culture Saban established at Alabama. A key theme throughout the film is the “Process,” Saban’s now-famous philosophy of focusing on preparation and effort rather than outcomes. Former assistant coaches—including Kirby Smart, Lane Kiffin, and Steve Sarkisian—explain how “The Process” became a blueprint for program-building across college football.

“This wasn’t just about football,” Smart says. “He taught us how to structure an organization, how to lead, how to demand excellence every day. That’s why so many of his assistants went on to be head coaches—because we saw how greatness was built from the ground up.”

The documentary doesn’t shy away from criticism either. It addresses the toll that such an intense commitment to excellence can take on a coach’s health, family, and personal life. Miss Terry, Saban’s wife and lifelong partner, offers candid thoughts on the sacrifices their family made for football—and why she never doubted his purpose.

“There were long days, hard seasons, and missed moments,” she says in the film. “But he was building something bigger than just a football team. He was shaping lives.”

For all his reputation as a tough, no-nonsense leader, “THE LEGENDARY COACH” also shines a light on Saban’s deeply personal relationships with his players. Interviews with former stars like Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, Amari Cooper, and Bryce Young reveal the human side of the Hall of Fame coach.

One standout scene shows an emotional reunion between Saban and former Alabama running back Trent Richardson, who credits the coach for helping him through the most difficult moments of his life, including the loss of his mother.

“You don’t always see it on the sideline,” Richardson says, “but he cared about us like his own sons. Coach Saban helped me become a man. That’s what makes him legendary.”

The final act of the documentary looks beyond wins, losses, and championships. It dives into Saban’s impact on the university, the community, and the broader world of sports.

Under Saban’s leadership, Alabama not only became a football powerhouse but also saw a rise in student enrollment, donations, and national prestige. The Nick’s Kids Foundation, started by Nick and Terry Saban, is highlighted as a vehicle through which the couple has given back to the Tuscaloosa community and beyond.

Perhaps most striking is a segment featuring several current NFL players who grew up idolizing Saban-led teams and are now paying it forward by mentoring the next generation. It’s here that the title “THE LEGENDARY COACH” feels most appropriate—not just as a tribute to on-field greatness, but as an acknowledgment of a life devoted to leading and teaching.

Even before its official release, “THE LEGENDARY COACH” has garnered significant buzz in film and sports circles alike. A limited screening held for Alabama alumni and former players in Birmingham was met with a standing ovation and emotional responses from many in attendance.

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, a longtime observer of SEC football, called the documentary “a masterpiece—one of the most thorough and emotionally resonant profiles of a sports figure I’ve ever seen.”

Netflix executives have also confirmed that the documentary will be accompanied by a special roundtable discussion, to be released one week later, featuring former players and coaches discussing Saban’s influence and legacy.

Although Saban retired from coaching following the 2023 season, his influence remains palpable across college football. The documentary closes with a reflective and relaxed Saban, sitting on his lakefront property, sharing his hopes for the sport’s future.

“I just want football to keep teaching the right lessons,” he says. “Discipline, accountability, effort, resilience—those things matter. If I’ve helped pass that along, then I’ve done my job.”

“THE LEGENDARY COACH” is more than just a documentary—it’s a definitive portrait of one of the greatest figures in sports history. With heart, depth, and honesty, the film captures what made Nick Saban a transformative force—not just in Tuscaloosa, but across an entire era of college football.

Set your calendars for May 25. Whether you’re an Alabama fan, a football purist, or simply someone who admires greatness, “THE LEGENDARY COACH” is a must-watch.