Alabama's Nick Saban Wins 2020 Bear Bryant Award

Tuscaloosa AL

14 January, 2021

11:15 AM

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TUSCALOOSA, AL — Fresh off securing his seventh career national championship and sixth during his time as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Nick Saban was named as the 2020 recipient of Coach of the Year at the American Heart Association's Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards. It was a fitting honor this season for Saban as he passed the legendary Alabama football coach for most national titles in a career. Click here to subscribe to our daily email newsletters and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices for free. You can also support local journalism by donating as little as $5 a month to become a supporting member or by downloading our free Patch mobile app. The honor marks the second time in Saban's career that he has won the award, winning in previously in 2003 following his national championship run with the LSU Tigers. "On behalf of our University, our athletic department, all of our coaches and players, especially our players who made sacrifices this year to be able to compete and play, I'm very honored to accept the Coach of the Year Award," Saban said on Wednesday, less than a week after the Tide finished the 2020 season undefeated with a 52-24 win over Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Championship Game. Fans could also participate in this year's awards beginning last October, with fans able to log their votes for their favorite coach. Saban also secured the fan vote with over 7,000 ballots cast in his favor. Additionally, Saban was also named the SEC's Coach of the Year as part of the program. The Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award is given each year to the country's top college football coach for coaching excellence and leadership. The award is voted on by the National Sports Media Association and NCAA college football coaches. It is also the only college coaching award selected after all bowl games are concluded. Follow Patch here for updates or on Facebook and Twitter.