ESPN and Words + Pictures announce October 8 premiere for "Saban," landmark ESPN Original Series on Hall of Fame icon Nick Saban

ESPN and Words + Pictures today announced that Saban, the landmark multi-part ESPN Original docuseries chronicling the life, legacy and extraordinary career of Hall of Fame coach Nick Saban, will premiere Thursday, October 8, on ESPN, with all six episodes available at launch on the ESPN App.

The series will debut with Episode 1 on Thursday, October 8, at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN, with subsequent episodes airing across October and early November.

Directed by Russell Dinallo and produced by Words + Pictures' Connor Schell, Libby Geist, Aaron Cohen and Alexa Conway along with Tom Rinaldi, with Gabe Honig serving as co-executive producer and showrunner, the series tells the story of Saban's remarkable career, highlighted by his 17 seasons at Alabama, where he led the Crimson Tide to six national championships and reestablished the program as the preeminent force in college football.

Saban peels back the curtain on the long closely guarded world of the legendary coach, featuring hundreds of hours of never-before-seen footage from locker rooms, practice fields and behind-the-scenes moments throughout his tenure at Alabama. Through Saban's own reflections and insights from those closest to him, the series also explores the defining experiences and stops that shaped his career, including LSU, the Miami Dolphins and Michigan State.

Featuring more than 70 voices from throughout Saban's life and career, the series includes interviews with former players, coaches, colleagues, family and others who experienced his impact firsthand. Among those featured are Bill Belichick; Lane Kiffin, LSU head coach and former Alabama offensive coordinator; Steve Sarkisian; Kirby Smart; Tim Tebow; Jalen Hurts, Super Bowl LIX champion quarterback and former Alabama quarterback; Tua Tagovailoa; along with Nick Saban and Miss Terry Saban.

The series also features extensive present-day interviews with Saban and his wife, Miss Terry Saban, whose influence and impact played a significant role in his success as a coach and leader.

"With my coaching days behind me, Miss Terry and I have been doing a lot of reflection and realized we were ready to tell our story," Nick Saban said. "The team at Words + Pictures has encouraged me to really look back not just at my time at Alabama, but every stop along the way - and not just reflect on what happened but consider the process which made it happen. I interacted with a lot of players and coaches along the way and I'm happy to see that so many of them have contributed to this docuseries. There's a lot to tell, and I'm excited to share it all."

Saban is a portrait of the relentless drive that powered seven national championships - six at Alabama and one at LSU - produced four Heisman Trophy winners, generations of NFL stars and set a standard of greatness in college football that may never be matched. The series also explores "The Process," Saban's famed approach to coaching that transformed his teams and defined his leadership style.

"Nick Saban's impact extends far beyond the championships and historic success he achieved on the field," said Brian Lockhart, Senior Vice President, ESPN Original Content. "What makes this series so special is the extraordinary access to Coach Saban, Miss Terry and the people who know him best, paired with rare footage that offers a new perspective on his remarkable journey. Saban is a definitive portrait of one of the most consequential figures in college football history, and we're proud to share it with fans."

"There will never be another Nick Saban," said Connor Schell, CEO of Words + Pictures. "He's a football genius, a singular leader, and a true icon who has done more than anyone to shape the modern game of college football and the culture around it. When you work with Coach Saban, you're constantly reminded how every small detail matters and, in his case, that attention to detail and process has added up to an incredible journey and legacy. Working with Coach Saban and Miss Terry has been a tremendous experience, and we can't wait to share their story with the world."

Saban premieres October 8 on ESPN.

· Episode 1 - "The Process": Thursday, October 8 at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN

· Episode 2 - "Death Valley": Thursday, October 15 at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN

· Episode 3 - "Black Diamonds": Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

· Episode 4 - "Home": Tuesday, October 27 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

· Episode 5 - "The Mountain": Thursday, October 29 at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN

· Episode 6 - "Pride": Thursday, November 5 at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN

About ESPN Originals

ESPN Originals are premium programs that take fans inside the biggest moments, athletes and stories in sports. With critically acclaimed, award-winning series - including the Emmy(R)-winning Man in the Arena: Tom Brady, Peyton's Places and the Places universe, In the Arena: Serena Williams, Full Court Press and Clutch: The NBA Playoffs - ESPN Originals deliver bold perspectives and unparalleled access to the narratives that define the modern sports world.

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