Alabama's Saban signs 3-year contract extension

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - Alabama coach Nick Saban has signed a three-year contract extension, athletic director Mal Moore said Saturday.

Saban signed an eight-year contract when he joined the Crimson Tide in 2007. The extension takes him through 2017.

The extension is subject to approval by the compensation committee of the board of trustees of the University of Alabama System. The committee is expected to meet soon to discuss it.

"Coach Saban has impressively led the Alabama football program back to national prominence in a short period of time," Moore said.

"That success has been evident in all facets - on-field results, his embrace of Alabama's athletics and academic culture, recruiting, and community service," Moore added. "In every way, coach Saban has positioned our program among college football's elite."

Saban is about to begin his third season with Alabama against Virginia Tech on Sept. 5 in Atlanta.

"Terry and I are pleased and happy that the University of Alabama has offered us an extension to our original contract," Saban said, referring to his wife. "Our acceptance of the extension expresses our commitment to the University of Alabama for the rest of our coaching career."

In two seasons, Saban has led the Crimson Tide to a 19-8 record, including a 12-2 record last season that earned a Southeastern Conference Western Division title, a trip to the Sugar Bowl and a final ranking of sixth.