Netflix has made a major announcement that is already causing significant buzz across the college football and sports documentary communities: the streaming giant will premiere an exclusive documentary on legendary Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban on August 15, 2025. The timing of the documentary, the subject matter, and the unprecedented access into Saban’s recent professional and personal journey all point toward what could be one of the most impactful sports documentaries of the decade. As the world prepares to witness the life and legacy of the most dominant coach in modern college football history, the anticipation is palpable.
The documentary, currently titled “SABAN: THE PROCESS NEVER STOPS,” is said to focus on Nick Saban’s most recent years at Alabama, culminating in his shocking retirement announcement in early 2025 and the ripple effects it sent through the world of college football. While many had long speculated about when Saban would hang up his whistle, few expected it to come at a time when the Crimson Tide were still national contenders and when Saban still appeared deeply entrenched in the game. This new Netflix feature will pull back the curtain on the circumstances surrounding his retirement and provide behind-the-scenes footage and interviews that tell the full story.
Netflix has confirmed that the production includes extensive interviews with Saban himself, filmed in the weeks before and after his announcement, along with testimonials from current and former players, coaching colleagues, university officials, family members, and even notable rivals like Kirby Smart and Dabo Swinney. The documentary promises to delve into the thought process that led Saban to step away from the game, his reflections on nearly two decades of dominance at Alabama, and his vision for the next chapter of his life.
What makes this documentary particularly compelling is the timing. With Saban only recently having stepped away, the emotions are still fresh, the legacy debates still ongoing, and the program he built now in transition. The documentary doesn’t just seek to celebrate the past but to examine it in the context of the present. Viewers can expect to see raw, unfiltered reactions from players who were caught off guard by the decision, coaches who are now adjusting to life without Saban on the sidelines, and fans whose lives were shaped by his leadership and success.
One of the central threads in the film is expected to be a comprehensive look at the evolution of Saban’s coaching philosophy, famously dubbed “The Process,” which became the gold standard in college athletics. From the early struggles of his career to the unparalleled run at Alabama that included multiple national championships, the documentary will trace how Saban’s commitment to discipline, preparation, and constant improvement made him both revered and feared. Netflix is said to have gained access to never-before-seen locker room footage, training camp meetings, recruiting visits, and even Saban’s private office conversations.
Another element that will be featured is Saban’s personal transformation. Those close to the production have hinted that the film will offer a vulnerable portrayal of a man who, for years, was viewed as stoic, demanding, and laser-focused. Interviews with his wife Terry, close friends, and longtime staffers reportedly show a softer, more introspective side of Saban as he grappled with the realization that his coaching days were nearing an end. There will also be attention paid to his charitable efforts, including the Nick’s Kids Foundation, which has raised millions for children and families across Alabama and beyond.
In a year when the landscape of college football is shifting dramatically due to changes in NIL regulations, conference realignments, and the expanded College Football Playoff, the timing of this documentary couldn’t be more relevant. It will not only reflect on Saban’s accomplishments but also place them within the context of a sport that is undergoing seismic change. Viewers will be treated to analysis from sports journalists, historians, and analysts who will explore what Saban’s departure means for the sport as a whole.
The documentary will reportedly span just over two hours and will be available globally, accompanied by optional bonus content including extended interviews and director commentary. Netflix has also confirmed that a limited theater release will take place in select cities such as Tuscaloosa, Atlanta, and New York in the week leading up to the digital premiere, giving fans a chance to experience the film on the big screen.
