Damien Harris expresses gratitude for Nick Saban as Alabama HC announces retirement- “I am forever grateful”

Former Alabama Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris expressed his gratitude for Nick Saban on social media. The legendary college football head coach announced his decision to end his 17-year stint in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday. He also posted a picture with Coach Saban from his graduation.

“You always preached for us to be a blessing, and what a blessing you have been to us all. I will be a better man because of you! I’m forever grateful,” Harris said in the caption of the post.

If he doesn't want to give the NFL another go, this could be the end of his 50-year coaching career. Throughout the last half-decade, the seven-time national champion coach has had an impact on the lives of many players, including Harris.

Harris played for four seasons under Saban at Tuscaloosa from 2015 to 2018. The running back had 477 carries in 54 games for the program, gaining 3,070 rushing yards. He had 23 rushing touchdowns under his belt.

Harris also saw action as a wide receiver on occasion, catching 52 passes for a total of 407 yards and two touchdowns. The RB won two national championships (in 2015 and 2017) before getting taken in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.

The Nick Saban retirement

According to ESPN, Nick Saban talked to the team about his plan and cited health and age as the main reasons behind the decision.

"My age started becoming a little bit of an issue [recruiting & hiring coaches]. People wanted assurances I would be here [for years] and it got harder & harder to be honest about. This last season was grueling, it was a real grind," Saban said on retirement.

2023 SEC Championship: Georgia vs. Alabama: Atlanta, Georgia, December 02: Head coach Nick Saban and Jermaine Burton #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs 27-24 in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) )

He also issued an official statement in which he expressed gratitude to everyone at the University of Alabama for his 17-year journey. It remains to be seen whether the retirement is permanent or if the NFL doors are opening.