Alabama to name field after Saban

Alabama is honoring legendary head coach Nick Saban by naming the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium after him.

The Crimson Tide announced Friday that the school approved a naming at Bryant-Denny Stadium at UA, and the football field will now also be known as Nick Saban Field. A celebratory ceremony to make it official will take place Sept. 7 when Alabama hosts South Florida.

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne has spoken about the school's plan to honor Saban after the latter retired in January. The school has already erected a statue of Saban on the Walk of Champions alongside the program's other championship-winning coaches.

Kalen DeBoer was hired to take over for Saban after leading Washington to a Pac-12 title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

Saban became an icon of college football after capturing six national titles in 17 seasons at Alabama. He had a 108-9 record in home games as the face of the Crimson Tide. The 72-year-old is currently a college football analyst for ESPN.