Nick Saban is a name synonymous with college football excellence, but beyond the gridiron, he is a devoted family man. While his legendary coaching career with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide has kept him in the spotlight for decades, his role as a father to Nicholas and Kristen Saban is equally significant. Adopted with his wife Terry early in their marriage, Nicholas and Kristen have grown to become accomplished individuals, deeply involved in both their personal pursuits and the family’s philanthropic endeavors through the Nick’s Kids Foundation.
This article delves into the lives of Nick Saban’s children, Nicholas and Kristen, exploring their relationship with their famous father, their own careers, and their shared commitment to giving back to the community. Discover how family values and a dedication to philanthropy are as much a part of the Saban legacy as winning championships.
Nicholas Saban: Carrying on the Family Spirit
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Image: Nick Saban celebrates 2012 BCS National Championship victory with his son Nicholas Saban on the field in New Orleans.
Nicholas Saban, the son of Nick and Terry Saban, has always been close to his family and deeply involved in their charitable work. From a young age, he witnessed his parents’ commitment to philanthropy, particularly through the Nick’s Kids Foundation, established in 1998. This early exposure instilled in him a similar passion for giving back, and he actively participates in the foundation’s initiatives.
While Nicholas maintains a lower public profile compared to his father, his contributions to the Nick’s Kids Foundation are substantial. He works alongside his parents and sister Kristen to support children, students, and teachers across Alabama, embodying the family’s core values of compassion and community service.
In his personal life, Nicholas has experienced both love and change. He was previously married to Kelse Laney, and together they have a daughter named Amelie Saban. Amelie is Nick Saban’s granddaughter, and he has openly expressed his delight in their relationship, noting the unique and fearless bond he shares with her. After separating from Laney, Nicholas found love again with Samira Magarov. The couple’s engagement in 2020 and subsequent wedding in 2022 marked a new chapter in Nicholas’s life, further expanding the Saban family circle.
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Image: The Saban family, including Nick, Terry, Kristen, Nicholas, and daughter-in-law Samira, at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles.
Nicholas and Samira are often seen together at family events, including Nick’s Kids Foundation fundraisers and Alabama football games, demonstrating a strong family unity. Samira’s social media posts reflect a deep affection for Nicholas and his family, highlighting their shared moments and mutual support. She also frequently shares glimpses of their life with Amelie, showcasing Nicholas’s role as a loving father.
Kristen Saban: Passion for Football and Philanthropic Dedication
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Image: Kristen Saban showing her support at an Alabama Crimson Tide football game.
Kristen Saban, Nick and Terry’s daughter, shares the family’s passion for football and commitment to philanthropy. Growing up immersed in the world of college football, Kristen developed a deep appreciation for the sport and the community surrounding it. Her connection to the game extends beyond being a fan; she actively contributed to the Alabama football program during her time as a student at the University of Alabama, working as a student assistant under her father.
Kristen’s professional path reflects a diverse skillset and experience. She gained experience in the sports industry with a stint as a sales assistant for the Tennessee Titans. Later, she transitioned into public relations and marketing, holding notable positions, including Marketing Director for Mercedes Benz-Birmingham. This diverse background equipped her with valuable skills that she now brings to the Nick’s Kids Foundation.
In 2020, Kristen joined the Nick’s Kids Foundation full-time, solidifying her commitment to the family’s charitable legacy. She currently serves on the board of directors, playing a crucial role in guiding the foundation’s mission and expanding its impact. Her firsthand experience with the foundation since childhood, combined with her professional expertise, makes her an invaluable asset to the organization.
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Image: Nick Saban celebrating July 4th with his family, showcasing their close bond.
Kristen is married to Adam Setas, and they have a son named James, born in 2020. Like her brother Nicholas, Kristen balances her professional and philanthropic work with family life. She frequently shares updates about her son and family moments on social media, often including heartwarming tributes to her father and their shared experiences with Alabama football. Her social media presence offers a glimpse into the personal side of the Saban family, revealing their close-knit relationships and genuine affection for one another. Kristen’s Father’s Day and National Coaches Day posts, expressing admiration and love for her father, further exemplify the strong bond within the Nick Saban Family.
The Enduring Legacy of the Nick Saban Family
The story of the Nick Saban family is one that extends beyond football victories and coaching accolades. It is a narrative deeply rooted in family values, mutual support, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Through the Nick’s Kids Foundation, the entire Saban family, including Nicholas and Kristen, actively works to uplift their community, embodying a legacy that prioritizes giving back as much as achieving success. As Nick Saban transitions into retirement, his family remains a constant source of strength and pride, demonstrating that his greatest achievements extend far beyond the football field and into the hearts of his children and grandchildren.