How was Nick Saban as an NFL coach? A look at 7x champ's career outside college football

Nick Saban drew curtains on his legendary coaching career in January this year. He retired as one of the most decorated coaches in college football, winning seven national titles.

Saban also worked as a coach in the NFL, having stints with the then-Houston Oilers, Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins. However, he wasn't able to leave a notable mark in the big league.

A glimpse into Nick Saban's NFL coaching career

Nick Saban served two seasons at the Miami Dolphins HC (Source: Imagn)

Nick Saban got his first coaching gig in the NFL in 1988 when he was appointed as the defensive backs coach of the then-Houston Oilers. He spent two years with the franchise that posted a 19-13 record across two years.

Saban's next NFL job came in 1991 when he was appointed as the Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator. He worked with the team for four seasons under head coach Bill Belichick. In the 1994 season, Saban helped the Browns to the league's season-best defensive record in points allowed (12.8 per game).

During Saban's four years at Cleveland, the team posted an overall 31-33 record. However, during a press conference in January 2014, Saban said that working under Belichick was the worst of his life.

Saban got his first and only head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins. He accepted the job in December 2004 and became the sixth coach in franchise history.

Saban's first win came in the 2005 season opener when his Dolphins beat the Denver Broncos 34-10. The Dolphins then struggled mid-way through the season but eventually posted a winning season with a 9–7 record, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot. In the 2006 season, the Dolphins posted an underwhelming 6-10 season, finishing last in the AFC East.

Saban stepped down from his role after two seasons with the team. He later spilled the beans on his decision to leave Miami and said that his team didn't have a quarterback who could win games, prompting him to jump ship.

"I decided right then when that happened that we don’t have a quarterback in the NFL, we’re not going to win," Saban said. "I’m getting out of here. I’m not staying here."

Nonetheless, after leaving Miami, Saban took over as Alabama coach, leading the program to six national titles. He previously won his first national title with LSU in 2003.