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Lou Saban Obituary
Saban died around 4 a.m. at his home in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., his wife, Joyce, said. He had heart problems for years and recently suffered a fall that required hospitalization, she said.
Saban played football at Indiana University and for the Cleveland Browns of the NFL before embarking on an unmatched head coaching career that included stops with the Boston Patriots and Buffalo Bills of the old American Football League and the Denver Broncos and Bills after the AFL merged with the NFL in 1970, along with college jobs at Miami, Army, Northwestern and Maryland.
Saban, who was 95-99-7 in 16 seasons of pro football, also was president of the New York Yankees from 1981-82 and coached high school football from 1987-89.
"He has been my friend and mentor for over 50 years, and one of the people who helped shape my life," Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said in a statement. "Lou was tough and disciplined, and he earned all the respect and recognition that came his way. He spent a lifetime leading, teaching and inspiring, and took great satisfaction in making the lives around him better. This is a tremendous loss to me personally."
Saban shared the last name of another prominent football coach, Alabama's Nick Saban. Joyce Saban said the two men might have been second cousins, but said the families weren't exactly sure whether they were related.
Louis Henry Saban was born in Brookfield, Ill. in 1921 and was a 1940 graduate of Lyons Township High School. After starring at Indiana, Saban played for the Browns from 1946-49 and the next year accepted his first head coaching position - at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland.
In 1955, he took over at Northwestern for a year, then moved to Western Illinois until entering the pro ranks in 1960 to coach the Boston Patriots of the newly formed AFL.
From there, Saban went to the Bills in 1962 and guided them to AFL championships in 1964 and 1965, the only championships the Bills have ever won. After a stint with the Broncos, Saban returned to Buffalo. During his second stint with the Bills from 1972-76, he oversaw O.J. Simpson's record-breaking, 2,003-yard rushing season in 1973.
"He was like a father to me," former Bills defensive back Booker Edgerson said. "He steered me in the right direction. He gave me advice. Some of it, I didn't like, but isn't that what a father does?"
Edgerson, who also played for Saban at Western Illinois and with the Broncos, said he last saw Saban in October at a Western Illinois banquet honoring the coach.
"Lou Saban was a great teacher," Edgerson said. "He knew how to build football programs. He could have built any program - football, baseball, basketball, whatever. Even though his patience was short-tempered, he allowed players to let out their anxieties and frustrations."
After quitting the Bills in midseason of 1976, Saban spent two years as athletic director at Miami, where he recruited future Buffalo quarterback Jim Kelly.
Saban later became known for how quickly he changed jobs. He coached Army in 1979, was AD at Miami and spent 19 days as athletic director at Cincinnati. He went on to coach high schools, colleges and in the Arena Football League.
Saban spent the 1990s starting or rebuilding programs at places like Peru State, Canton Tech and Alfred State, where he left before the team played its first game. He coached Central Florida in 1983-84.
"I've coached at all levels, covered the gamut, and I've never really seen any difference," Saban said after being hired to coach Alfred in upstate New York in 1994. "My coaching techniques are pretty much the same, with some adjustments for what younger players can and can't do."
Saban spent five years at Canton Tech in northern New York - the longest stint of his career - before leaving after the 2000 season. In one of his last jobs, he coached Division III Chowan State in North Carolina, leaving in 2002 after the team went 0-10.
"He was an original," Joyce Saban said. "He was one of a kind."
Funeral arrangements were incomplete. Joyce Saban said the family would have a mass at Our Lady of the Sea Catholic Church in North Myrtle Beach on Saturday.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
50 Entries
Jason Blackwell
August 10, 2019
I played for coach saban in the first inaugural season at SUNY canton in 95, he was an absolute inspiring man and coach! Condolences to the family and everyone that has been touched by him.
Brian Johnson
November 27, 2016
I am Brian Johnson , aka Otis. Offensive guard 1995-97. Unsung hero coaches award. Mr. Saban forever changed my life. He continues to be the model of a man I am striving to be. He brought out the best of me on and off the field. We were undefeated during a historic first session of football ever at Canton college of technology. Peace lobe joy.
December 20, 2013
My name is Bob they call me Buffalo Bob coach Saban was a friend of mine. We would go out to lunch and he would have me in stiches talking about his old times here in Buffalo and Jack Kemp and the other players. He is missed by many. A great guy
g g
August 30, 2013
My Mom (Alyce Bradley) grew up with the Saban boys as neighbors and always talked about what gentlemen all the Sabans were. So sorry to hear of his passing.
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rodney bellamy
July 14, 2010
i played for coach saban in suny canton from 1999-2001 rodney bellamy! this is certainly a legend lost
Keith Raby
February 11, 2010
Hi My name is Keith Raby and played for Lou Saban at Canton Tech as a running back. I like to send my condolences to the family because not only was he a great coach, but he was a great man. He taught me a whole lot about the game and life. We definitely lost a great mentor.
doug mercer
April 8, 2009
I remember Coach Saban's years with the Denver Broncos. He did an amazing job of organizing and rebuilding a franchise that had been in shambles throughout its previous years in the AFL. He brought a lot of respectability to the team with his exemplary work ethic and some solid player acquisitions. He made us proud of our Broncos and he deserves a lot of credit for their ultimate success in the NFL. He was the type of individual who undoubtedly had a positive influence everywhere he went.
Bill & Peggy Trout
April 7, 2009
Dear Joyce and Family,
It is with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Coach Saban. He was a great man, coach and mentor. It was Coach Saban who gave me the opportunity to get into college coaching when he hired me at the University of Miami in 1977. I had very little experience coaching at the college level and Coach Saban took a chance on me. I will forever be grateful for his generosity. Coach Saban was a man of honor and integrity. A great coach and a loyal friend. It was Coach Saban who saved football at UM and Cane fans should always remember what he did. My wife and I feel blessed to have known Coach Saban. We are better people because of it.
Bill & Kathi Proulx
April 6, 2009
Dear Joyce and Family,
I remember Lou as a great man and as the person who changed the course of University of Miami football history. He took a long-troubled program and corrected most of the problems he found there in only 2 years. He laid the platform that just a few years later would launch Miami to the first of its 5 National Championships in college football.
But I think of him in other ways as well. He was a hard-nosed football player, when his generation played without face masks. He was an educated man who spoke fluent Chinese and used that ability as an interpreter for his country in WWII. He was a skilled musician who often intently played the cello at home after a long day of football practice. He was an intense leader, a humorous friend, and a role model for all the coaches and players at UM who helped him start that program on the road toward those 5 national championships.
I was honored to be a member of his staff at UM, and even more honored to call him my friend. Our prayers are of thanks to God for our having met Lou, and thanks to his family for the time he shared with us at Miami. God bless you all.
Danny & Jewell Hosaflook
April 5, 2009
Dear Joyce and family,
Danny and I met you and Lou when he was Head Coach at South Fork High School in Stuart. Danny was an assistant defensive coach for Lou. We often laugh about the two times that Lou fired him from the pressbox because of a play that went wrong! We spent Sunday afternoons sometimes at you pool with the kids while the coaches met and planned for the next game. Lou taught Danny many things and Danny uses his philosophy often. He always told Danny when you are in a situation just sit back and listen. Keep quiet and at some point you will be amazed at what you learn...
Lou was a great inspiration to us and we will always remember him. God bless you.
Our prayers are with you at this most difficut time.
Sinerely,
The Hosaflook's
Dennis Richards
April 5, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the family. Lou Saban was always and will always be a hero to me. My wish was to meet him one day, and I will always regret that that never happened. Thoughts and prayers to the family at this time.
Chris Hastings
April 4, 2009
After leaving the University of Nebraska in 1996 for personal reasons, I was put in contact with Lou Saban at Canton Tech in Canton, NY. Coach Saban gave me a chance to play football again when many coaches turned their back. I will forever be in debt to him for that, although my time at Canton was short lived, Coach Saban had a tremendous impact on my life, I will never forget him telling me that time is our greatest liability because none of us know how much of it we have left, so make the most of each day. I will never forget Coach Saban, May you rest in peace Coach.
LARRY BUTLER
April 3, 2009
TO A COACH LIKE BEAR BYRANT. HE WAS A LEADER, KNOWLEDGE OF SPORTS AND A FATHER TO MANY THAT HAVE MADE IT BIG IN ALL SPORTS. "MAY GOD TAKE A LIKING TO YOU". GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Alan Armstrong
April 2, 2009
I was sorry to read that Coach Saban passed recently. I graduated from Lyons Township in 1947 and played football under Coach Chuck Bennett. Coach Saban would drop by to watch us practice and offer suggestions in positive ways. He influenced a lot players lives. Peace be with you. (I trust that younger bother Johnny is fine.)
Alan S. Armstrong, Seneca, SC
April 2, 2009
I had the great fortunate, pleasure and honor of coaching with Coach Saban. He was truly one of a kind, a special person who had tremendous positive influence over coaches, athletes and everyone he met. There was so much more to him than what was on the surface. Lou was steadfast in his convictions, hard nosed, straight up and tough. He was a man of great courage and integrity. His positive influence will have a ripple effect that will reverberate through all that he touched for a long time into the future. He meant so much, to so many and without a doubt he will be sorely missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and the family. Remember, the true merit of a person is not how they loved others, but how others loved them, and it is obvious that Lou Saban was loved very much. “Shadows fall, and life becomes so difficult to bear…Yet sunshine comes through memories and love of those who care.”
May God Bless,
Jerry”Red”Anderson
Debra Formento
April 1, 2009
To the Saban Family--My deepest condolences and although I never met Coach--I went to grade school with Bill Saban his nephew at St. John of the Cross in Western Springs, Illinois. I remember fondly Bill's stories about his uncle the Coach. May God watch over your family during this sad time.
Steve Hall
March 31, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed talking with Coach during recruiting visits to Conway High School. He coached four of our players from Conway HS. May God bless you and your family.
Steve Klein
March 31, 2009
Dear Joyce, Patty & Tom,
I saw the news and want to tell you that working for Lou as the Grad. Assistant Football Mgr. & Student Team Logistics Coordinator in Miami (77-78) was a wonderful experience and laid the foundation for alot of grand & fond memories.
I hope that the knowledge of how many lives this man deeply touched eases your grief and loss in the days and weeks ahead.
yd
March 31, 2009
Dear Patty,
Death has taken many of our loved ones leaving us with saddness and grief.
Jesus left us with a Promise of a Kingdom.
"Lords Prayer"-Matthew 6:9,10
There will be no more sickness pain or death.(Revelation 21:3,4)
1cor 15:20-22-promise
Raymond Yates
March 31, 2009
Joyce, I only met coach a few days ago, while doing PT at the Manor. We had a conversation of sorts.and even at this time his ability and presence was notable
My empathy, and our thoughts and prayers are pointed in your direction.
Carol Knauer
March 31, 2009
Dear Patty and family,
I am very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. People speak highly of his strength, discipline, pride and determination. I can see where you get it from. My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family.
Stephen Finn
March 31, 2009
I am saddened by Lou's death. I attended WIU from 59-63 and had a sports scholarship. I tried football; however, Lou politely told me to stick with track!! ha, A great man who will be missed
Michael Swecker
March 31, 2009
I only met you once, but you left an impression that will last a lifetime.
Stacey Weaver
March 31, 2009
Dear Joyce :
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alan Pastrana
March 31, 2009
You were my coach at Maryland, Denver and Buffalo. You got me started and gave me the opportunity to be a teacher and coach. For this and much more, I will never forget you. Thank you coach.
Dean Edgar
March 30, 2009
I had the pleasure of meeting Coach Saban just once. When I asked him a casual question about his coaching days, it started a long conversation that covered many topics. He obviously appreciated my interest in him, and I felt fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with a gentleman of his stature. It left a lasting impression of a wise and decent man.
Jim Fleischman
March 30, 2009
Joyce and family
I had the honor of coaching with Coach at Alfred State and later on at SUNY Canton and other than marrying my wife and the birth of our four children, the most influential time of my life was the time I spent coaching with Lou. He was absolutely the most capable person I have ever been associated with. As an older coach evenings when the younger coaches would be out on the town, Lou and I would get together at his place, have a couple of beers, discuss the players and what we could do to make them better and just discuss life in general. I learned more about people and life in these evening discussions then in all my under and graduate studies. Hopefully Lou's thoughts and philosophy will continue to be spread by all the coaches who had the pleasure to work with him. Joyce may God hold you in the palm of his hand in your time of grief. Lou was a great man and will be sorely missed.
Kevin Carreno
March 30, 2009
I was a high school junior when (a) the University of Miami Board of Regents voted to get rid of football and (b) they hired Lou Saban to "retire" the program. Apparently Coach Saban did not get the word about football coming to an end at UM.
He started a trend of recruiting the most talented athletes in Dade/Broward/Palm Beach counties (Lorenzo Roan - Miami Lakes; Lester Williams - Miami Lakes and NE Patriots). He brought in speed, size and a quaterback from Pennsylvania that could throw the ball downfield to fast, fast receivers.
After rescuing the 'Canes from football extinction, Coach Saban moved on.
I was fortunate to run into him years later when he was coaching at Army. He was grateful for my recollection of his accomplishments at U of M.
'Canes fans should take a minute to thank Lou Saban for establishing the dynasty that became 'Canes football in the 80's and 90's. The Univeristy would not be where it is today without his valuable contributions.
Thanks Coach and RIP.
Wallace Dickey
March 30, 2009
I had the privilege and honor of playing offensive tackle under head coach Lou Saban for the Denver Broncos in 1968 & 1969. I can testify that Coach Saban's integrity and "Moral Fiber" ran much deeper than most coaches I had the honor of playing for both professionally and in college. I remember after one of our more humiliating losses, he chewed the team up and ripped us a good one as a team and individually. He then gave us back some self-esteem by telling us that he wanted to instill some "Moral Fiber" in our life other than as a football player. He wanted us to be a better person, not just a football person. He cared personally about each of us and he gave me a gift of honor and deep integrity that I value to this day. I am a better person today after knowing him. God Bless you Lou and my condolences to the family.
D. ZIMMERMAN
March 30, 2009
REST IN PEACE, LOU SABAN
JR Ross
March 30, 2009
I was fortunate to be recruited by Coach Saben, and was his back-up quarterback my freshman year at the University of Central Florida in 1983. I'm very grateful for the numerous hours I got to spend with him. The football knowledge I aquired from him, along with his positive outlook on life, are lessons I continue to pass along to any child I'm coaching. His intensity was contagous, and his ability to maintain control during turbulent situations was a part of his mystique!!! I will always be grateful to Coach Saben for giving a young kid from Pittsburgh PA a chance to play college football, and provide him with the knowledge to become a success on and off the field. You'll be missed Coach!!
louis carwell
March 30, 2009
Lou Saban was a great man and a great football coach.He left his mark on a lot of successful young men.The world needs more men like Lou Saban. Rest in peace coach.
Carleen Yarington
March 30, 2009
The Lou Saban family: My prayers are with you during this time. May you remember the memories. The condolences be of comfort from strangers. As a child growing up during the 60s and a teenager in the 70s, "Lou Saban" is synonymous with the Bflo Bills. He was not only a physically build athlete but in the various projects that he was committed to in the sports world esp football. Both my father and grandfather were fans during that period of time and his name is always and will be remembered for his outstanding contribution.
Dan and Judy McGrane
March 30, 2009
To the Saban family-- I had the pleasure of coaching with Lou at Martin County High School for several years. This time was the best experience in coaching I have had. It was because of Coach Saban that I can tell everyone that I had my picture in Sports Illustraded. He was a one of a kind person and I will never forget "Coach Saban". God bless the family and please remember that he will be missed.
Punky Schenne
March 30, 2009
My prayers and sympathy to the entire Saban family...Lou's grandkids rode my school bus for several years, and I remember seeing him sitting on the front porch when I would drop them off after school...he always had a smile and waved hello. A great man and a great coach...who will be missed by everyone who did and didn't know him personally. His legacy will live on...
Frank Gallitto
March 30, 2009
Condolences to the family ..Coach will be missed..Myrtle Beach Chrysler Jeep
Ms. Roberson
March 30, 2009
To the Saban Family:
Sorry about the Loss of Mr. Saban. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys in your time of need. Also take comfort in knowing that "the God of all comfort who comforts us in our tribulation." (2nd corinthians 1:3,4)
Chuck & Sherri Boschen
March 30, 2009
We had the pleasure of being neighbors with Lou and Joyce for a short time and Lou was a patriot and a gentleman. Our hearts are with the family during this difficult time. Rest in peace.
March 30, 2009
My thought and prayers are with Patrica and all the Saban Family for your loss. I'll always remember him as a stren but fair man of whom I always had the greatest respect for. Just remember positive people make positve impacts on lives and Lou Saban was that kind of man. My God bless all of The Saban Family. David Schilling Katy,Texas
Jeanne & Val Guest
March 30, 2009
Dear Joyce and family,
Our condolences on the loss of Lou. His career was an inspiration and speaks for itself. Val and I truly enjoyed our converstaions with Lou the first time we met him and were able to hear some of his fascinating sports stories. He was so engaging. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you remember and celebrate him. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Wishing you God's comfort,
Tom and Debbie Porter
March 30, 2009
It has been our great pleasure over the past two years of being the Sabans' next door neighbor. I remember when we first met Lou, and he put out his hand and said "Lou Saban. Nice to meet you!" I knew immediately that this was a great man. My wife would have nice chats with Lou when she came home from work. He would be sitting in their open garage, and she would go over to say "Hi", and would engage in a wonderful conversation with Lou. My wife went to college in Buffalo while Lou was coaching the Bills, so they had that in common. Joyce, our love, thoughts, and prayers go out to you at this time. God Bless the memory of Lou Saban.
Jim Juergens
March 30, 2009
Thanks Coach.
Shannon Camp
March 30, 2009
With deepest sympathies for your loss.
Joe Hawley
March 30, 2009
I had the pleasure of being coached by this great man at New York State Collage of Technology at Canton during the 97&98 seasons. He was a great man and coach and I never forgot about him.
Veronica
March 30, 2009
May the comforting thought from the Bible book of Revelation, the 21st chapter, verse 4 be of comfort to the entire Saban family. It reads: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” May Our Heavenly Father give you the strength you need to cope with your loss and to make it through these difficult days. I offer my sincere condolences to you all.
Dan Garrick
March 30, 2009
May God Bless the Saban family during this difficult time. As a long-time professional in education I am prayerful that I have had made even a fraction of the difference of Coach Saban. May he find eternal rest in paradise. The St. Francis DeSales High School Community keeps Coach and his family in our prayers.
God's Blessings
Henryk Zaleski USN-Ret
March 30, 2009
Rest in peace and thank you for all that you did to make the team Yankees Team.
Ralph Smith
March 29, 2009
I had the pleasure of dining with Coach Saban at the Olive Garden in Leesburg in 1993 as he spoke to our youth football team about sportsmanship and the value of a good education. He was very gracious to spend his time with a bunch of 11 and 12 year olds and generous with his time. It was an honor for me to spend a couple hours with this fine gentleman. Enjoy your eternal reward Lou as you're remembered fondly here, no doubt, by thousands.
P & R Duewiger
March 29, 2009
We liked and respected coach Saban while he was coaching the Bills. He was a very good coach and a great personality.Thank you for the priviledge. Our deepest regrets to the family. May your faith give you comfort in your time of need.
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