Report: Saban set to retire

One of college football's giant figures is calling it a career.

ESPN's Chris Low reports Nick Saban has informed his Alabama players of his decision to retire.

Saban, 72, has won seven National Championships including six with the Crimson Tide.

A native of Fairmount, WV, Saban began his coaching career at alma mater Kent State in 1973 as a graduate assistant. After coaching stints at Syracuse, West Virginia, Ohio State and Navy, Saban received his first coordinator position at Michigan State in 1983 where he would spend four seasons. Following a two-year stint as defensive backs coach for the Houston Oilers, Saban got his first head coaching job at Toledo in 1990.

After a 9-2 season with the Rockets, Saban returned to the NFL as DC of the Cleveland Browns where he would spend four seasons before returning to East Lansing as head coach in 1995.

Saban posted a 34-24-1 mark over five seasons with the Spartans. After the 1999 season, Saban would depart for Louisiana State. Two years later, Saban would win an SEC title with the Tigers before winning his first National Championship in 2003, defeating Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl by a score of 21-14.

Following the 2004 season, Saban would once again return to the pro game as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Saban would go 15-17 over two seasons, missing the playoffs on both occasions. After repeated denials during the 2006 season of his interest, Saban would leave the Dolphins for the Alabama job on Jan. 3, 2007.

Saban would establish a juggernaut during his time in Tuscaloosa. Over 17 seasons, Saban's Tide would win 11 SEC titles and six National Championships. He leaves the Tide with a mark of 201-29.

He finishes his NCAA career with a record of 292-71-1 over 28 seasons. His 292 wins are 15th all-time and were most among active FBS coaches.