So, you’ve heard the name Nick Saban—the legendary Alabama football coach with the stern sideline stare and more national championships than most programs have winning seasons. But here’s a fun twist: what if I told you the man who built a dynasty on the gridiron also has a side hustle in the car business? Yes, you read that right. Nick Saban owns car dealerships. But before you picture him in a suit haggling over trade-in values, let’s slow down. This is way cooler than you think.
So, Which Dealerships Does He Actually Own?
Nick Saban, along with his wife Terry, is a proud owner of several car dealerships under the umbrella of Saban Automotive Group. But it’s not just any random lot—these are Mercedes-Benz stores. Specifically, he owns Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa and Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham. That’s right, the coach who spends Saturdays yelling “execute!” at quarterbacks also sells luxury sedans on weekdays. Talk about a side gig that fits right into the Alabama vibe.
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The “Why Mercedes?” Factor
Ever wonder why a football coach would pick a German luxury brand over, say, a pickup truck empire? Well, it’s actually a no-brainer when you consider Mercedes’ major manufacturing plant is in Vance, Alabama, just a short drive from Tuscaloosa. It’s like the universe said, “Hey Coach, here’s a perfect business marriage.” And honestly, can you imagine a better brand for a guy who demands perfection? A Mercedes is pretty much the Rolls-Royce of reliability, much like Saban’s defensive schemes.
How Did a Coach End Up Selling Cars?
Nick didn’t just wake up one morning and buy a lot. It’s a long story, but the short version involves his wife Terry having a keen eye for business. They started with a smaller dealership in the 1990s, and over time, it grew into this luxury franchise. It’s a fun reminder that even billion-dollar coaches can have normal, relatable investments. Wait, is “car dealer” normal? Maybe not, but it’s definitely more down-to-earth than owning a private jet company, right?
Inside Alabama coach Nick Saban's incredible business empire from nine
Here’s the kicker: Saban doesn’t actually run the day-to-day sales. He’s the owner, not the guy showing you the heated seats. That’s a huge relief, because can you imagine him trying to upsell you on a floor mat? “Son, if you don’t buy this winter package, you’ll never win a championship in the snow!” It’s a funny image, but in reality, he’s the cool, behind-the-scenes boss.
Why It’s Actually Cooler Than It Sounds
Think about it: a guy known for being all-business, with a famously grumpy demeanor, owns a business built on smooth rides and luxury. It’s a little poetic. It’s like finding out Batman also runs a bakery—unexpected but delightful. Some people collect watches; Nick Saban collects Mercedes dealerships. And let’s be honest, owning a car lot in Alabama is almost as powerful as owning the SEC. Almost.
Plus, these dealerships aren’t just about selling cars; they’re part of the local community. Saban’s stores often get involved in charity events and local sponsorships. Nick Saban the car guy is actually just a regular business owner who happens to be a legend. It makes him feel a little more human, doesn’t it? like maybe he drives a Mercedes himself (spoiler: he probably does), but he still gets stuck in traffic like the rest of us.
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The “Fun Comparison” You Didn’t Ask For
You know those retired NBA players who buy Starbucks franchises? Or that actor who owns a chain of pizzerias? Nick Saban is basically the college football version of that. He’s taken his fame and turned it into a steady, low-drama business. It’s almost boringly smart, which is very on-brand for a guy who hates risk. If you think about it, selling Mercedes is a lot like coaching Alabama: both require a premium product, a loyal fan base, and zero tolerance for fumbles.
So, Can You Buy a Car from Nick Saban?
Technically, yes! You can walk into Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa or Birmingham and buy a vehicle that’s partly owned by a seven-time national champion. Just don’t expect a personal handshake from Coach unless you’re recruiting a five-star linebacker. But isn’t it a cool story to tell your friends? “Yeah, I bought my C-Class from the guy who coached Tua Tagovailoa.” That’s a conversation starter.
At the end of the day, Nick Saban’s car dealerships are just another chapter in his oddly practical empire. He’s not a flashy car collector—he’s a businessman who happened to win a lot of games. And honestly, if you’re ever in Alabama and need a new sedan, you might as well support the coach who made “Roll Tide” a household name. Just don’t ask him about the offensive line while you’re signing the paperwork. He might try to trade your test drive for a better draft pick.