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Nick Saban ranked as one of world’s greatest leaders by Fortune

By Jason Parker

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and running back Derrick Henry (right) hoist the national championship trophy after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and running back Derrick Henry (right) hoist the national championship trophy after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban was ranked as one of the world’s greatest leaders by Fortune magazine.

In the state of Alabama (and in the eyes of some college football fans across the country), Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban is considered the greatest person there is.

After winning a fourth national title in the last seven seasons (giving him five for his career), Saban has been put on the level of a God in the eyes of those who wear Crimson and White.

While he may not be a deity, one magazine thinks Saban is one of the best leaders in the world. Fortune Magazine ranked their 50 greatest leaders from across the world, and the reigning championship coach in college football made the cut.

From their explanation of Saban’s selection:

"The dynasty was over. That was the consensus of the pundits after Alabama’s 43–37 loss to Ole Miss in its third game of the season last September. The famed “process” that Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, 64, had used to win three national titles in football at Bama—while boosting graduation rates—and one at LSU had run its course, and the competition had caught up. Saban challenged his team: “How are you going to respond?” When Alabama defeated Clemson 45–40 for another title on Jan. 11, 2016, he had his answer, and the dynasty—and Saban’s legacy as a leader—remained intact."

Saban is one of just two sports figures on the list (Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry and coach Steve Kerr are a combo ranked at 15th). The complete list of the 50 honorees can be found here, but it includes German chancellor Angela Merkel, Apple CEO Tim Cook, signer John Legend and Pope Francis to name a few. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos topped the list.

Saban will have a chance to jump into the top 10 next year if he can bring another title to Tuscaloosa this season. The Crimson Tide open up their title defense on September 3rd when they take on USC in Arlington, Texas.

For more NCAA Football news, check out our NCAA Football hub page.

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