10 memorable moments from Saban's decade with Alabama

On Jan. 4, 2007, Nick Saban landed at Tuscaloosa Regional Airport and officially became Alabama's head coach.

What's happened in the 10 years since is absolutely remarkable, as the 65-year-old has built the Crimson Tide into one of college football's all-time great dynasties.

Here's ten standout moments from Saban's decade in Alabama.

1. Tuscaloosa was LIT upon Saban's arrival

Alabama's record in the four seasons before Saban took over was a combined 26-24, so you can't blame Crimson Tide fans for being excited about his hiring. We probably need a stronger word than 'excited,' though, to describe the reaction upon Saban's arrival in Tuscaloosa.

2. Louisiana-Monroe 21, Alabama 14

It almost seems unbelievable when Alabama loses under Saban, but his first season saw that happen six times. The most shocking was a 21-14 home loss to Sun Belt member Louisiana-Monroe, after which Saban immediately dropped one of his most famous quotes, urging his team to respond like others throughout history.

"Changes in history usually occur after some kind of catastrophic event," Saban said as per ESPN. "It may be 9/11, which sort of changed the spirit of America relative to catastrophic events. Pearl Harbor kind of got us ready for World War II, and that was a catastrophic event."

3. 2009 national champions

It took Saban just three seasons to turn the Crimson Tide from a mediocre SEC team to a national champion. His only undefeated season (a win over Clemson on Monday would give him his second) was led by Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and a very solid defense. After exacting revenge on Tim Tebow and Florida in the SEC title game, Alabama easily handled Texas to give Saban his second career national championship, and first with his new program.

4. "The Cam-back" - 2010 Iron Bowl

2010 was Saban's worst season since his first one with Alabama, as the Crimson Tide finished with three losses. The one that stung most was certainly a 28-27 defeat to Auburn in the Iron Bowl. The Tide looked dominant through the first 25 minutes of the game, shooting out to a 24-0 lead until Cam Newton threw a 36-yard touchdown before halftime. The Heisman Trophy winner would later complete the comeback with a 7-yard scoring pass to Philip Lutzenkirchen with 12 minutes to play, giving Auburn the dramatic win.

5. 2011 national champions

People regard the 2016 Alabama defense as Saban's best ever, but that's up for debate when you look at what the 2011 unit did. Led by Mark Barron, Dont'a Hightower, C.J. Mosley, Courtney Upshaw, and Dre Kirkpatrick, the defense allowed an absurd 8.8 points per game. When you add Trent Richardson and A.J. McCarron on offense, it's easy to see why the Tide were national champions. It didn't come without controversy, however, as the BCS title game was a rematch of the SEC West battle between Alabama and LSU, which the Tigers won 9-6 in overtime. A 21-0 beatdown of LSU in the final, however, showed there was no doubt about the top team in the country.

6. 2012 national champions

Alabama went back-to-back thanks to a potent offense featuring A.J. McCarron, T.J. Yeldon, Eddie Lacy, and Amari Cooper. The Crimson Tide embarrassed Notre Dame 42-14, making Saban the first coach to win two consecutive titles since Tom Osborne and Nebraska in 1994 and '95.

7. The kick-6

Saban's decision to kick a 57-yard field goal on the last play of the 2013 Iron Bowl provided us with one of the greatest plays in college football history.

8. The relationship with offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin

Saban's relationship with offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin has long been one of national attention, as many people enjoy watching the head coach yell at his assistant on television. There have been countless blowups throughout the three-year marriage - one that ended abruptly this week when it was announced Kiffin would not be on Alabama's sideline for Monday's game against Clemson. He's off to coach Florida Atlantic next season, so we've likely seen our last public battle between the two. Here's one of the best for the road:

9. 2015 national champions

In one of the best national championship games of all time, Alabama outlasted Clemson 45-40 to give Saban his fourth title with the program. Saban's vaunted defense gave up 550 total yards to the Tigers, but Derrick Henry, Jake Coker, and O.J. Howard ensured Alabama would get the win with an incredible offensive performance. The two teams meet again Monday for a rematch, with only Howard remaining from the 2015 bunch.

10. His record

Damn.