What Car Dealerships Does Nick Saban Own

So, you’ve heard the name Nick Saban—the legendary Alabama football coach with the stern sideline stare and more national championships than most programs have winning seasons. But here’s a fun twist: what if I told you the man who built a dynasty on the gridiron also has a side hustle in the car business? Yes, you read that right. Nick Saban owns car dealerships. But before you picture him in a suit haggling over trade-in values, let’s slow down. This is way cooler than you think.

So, Which Dealerships Does He Actually Own?

Nick Saban, along with his wife Terry, is a proud owner of several car dealerships under the umbrella of Saban Automotive Group. But it’s not just any random lot—these are Mercedes-Benz stores. Specifically, he owns Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa and Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham. That’s right, the coach who spends Saturdays yelling “execute!” at quarterbacks also sells luxury sedans on weekdays. Talk about a side gig that fits right into the Alabama vibe.

The “Why Mercedes?” Factor

Ever wonder why a football coach would pick a German luxury brand over, say, a pickup truck empire? Well, it’s actually a no-brainer when you consider Mercedes’ major manufacturing plant is in Vance, Alabama, just a short drive from Tuscaloosa. It’s like the universe said, “Hey Coach, here’s a perfect business marriage.” And honestly, can you imagine a better brand for a guy who demands perfection? A Mercedes is pretty much the Rolls-Royce of reliability, much like Saban’s defensive schemes.

How Did a Coach End Up Selling Cars?

Nick didn’t just wake up one morning and buy a lot. It’s a long story, but the short version involves his wife Terry having a keen eye for business. They started with a smaller dealership in the 1990s, and over time, it grew into this luxury franchise. It’s a fun reminder that even billion-dollar coaches can have normal, relatable investments. Wait, is “car dealer” normal? Maybe not, but it’s definitely more down-to-earth than owning a private jet company, right?

Inside Alabama coach Nick Saban's incredible business empire from nine

Here’s the kicker: Saban doesn’t actually run the day-to-day sales. He’s the owner, not the guy showing you the heated seats. That’s a huge relief, because can you imagine him trying to upsell you on a floor mat? “Son, if you don’t buy this winter package, you’ll never win a championship in the snow!” It’s a funny image, but in reality, he’s the cool, behind-the-scenes boss.

Why It’s Actually Cooler Than It Sounds

Think about it: a guy known for being all-business, with a famously grumpy demeanor, owns a business built on smooth rides and luxury. It’s a little poetic. It’s like finding out Batman also runs a bakery—unexpected but delightful. Some people collect watches; Nick Saban collects Mercedes dealerships. And let’s be honest, owning a car lot in Alabama is almost as powerful as owning the SEC. Almost.

Plus, these dealerships aren’t just about selling cars; they’re part of the local community. Saban’s stores often get involved in charity events and local sponsorships. Nick Saban the car guy is actually just a regular business owner who happens to be a legend. It makes him feel a little more human, doesn’t it? like maybe he drives a Mercedes himself (spoiler: he probably does), but he still gets stuck in traffic like the rest of us.

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The “Fun Comparison” You Didn’t Ask For

You know those retired NBA players who buy Starbucks franchises? Or that actor who owns a chain of pizzerias? Nick Saban is basically the college football version of that. He’s taken his fame and turned it into a steady, low-drama business. It’s almost boringly smart, which is very on-brand for a guy who hates risk. If you think about it, selling Mercedes is a lot like coaching Alabama: both require a premium product, a loyal fan base, and zero tolerance for fumbles.

So, Can You Buy a Car from Nick Saban?

Technically, yes! You can walk into Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa or Birmingham and buy a vehicle that’s partly owned by a seven-time national champion. Just don’t expect a personal handshake from Coach unless you’re recruiting a five-star linebacker. But isn’t it a cool story to tell your friends? “Yeah, I bought my C-Class from the guy who coached Tua Tagovailoa.” That’s a conversation starter.

At the end of the day, Nick Saban’s car dealerships are just another chapter in his oddly practical empire. He’s not a flashy car collector—he’s a businessman who happened to win a lot of games. And honestly, if you’re ever in Alabama and need a new sedan, you might as well support the coach who made “Roll Tide” a household name. Just don’t ask him about the offensive line while you’re signing the paperwork. He might try to trade your test drive for a better draft pick.