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The Private Reason: 5 Heartwarming Truths Behind Why Nick And Terry Saban Adopted

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The story of why legendary football coach Nick Saban and his wife, Terry Saban, chose to adopt their two children is one of the most private and heartwarming chapters in their public lives. Unlike many celebrity adoptions that become front-page news, the Sabans have consistently kept the intimate details of their decision out of the spotlight, preferring to focus on the outcome—a loving family and a massive philanthropic legacy.

As of December 2025, the core reason for their adoption remains rooted in a profound, deep-seated desire to provide a loving, stable home, a commitment that mirrors the mission of their decades-long charitable work. This decision was a deeply personal reflection of the values that have defined their 50-plus year marriage, establishing a legacy far greater than any football championship.

The Saban Family: A Complete Biographical Profile

Nick and Terry Saban, often affectionately called "Miss Terry" by the Alabama community, have been married since 1971. Their family life, though private, is the foundation of their public success and charitable endeavors. They are the proud parents of two adopted children and doting grandparents to two grandchildren.

  • Nick Saban (Father):
    • Role: Legendary former Head Football Coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
    • Born: October 31, 1951, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
    • Spouse: Terry "Miss Terry" Saban (married 1971).
    • Career Highlights: Holds the record for the most NCAA Division I football championships (seven).
  • Terry "Miss Terry" Saban (Mother):
    • Role: Co-founder and Vice President of the Nick's Kids Foundation.
    • Born: December 15, 1951, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
    • Impact: Known for her pivotal role in managing the family's philanthropic efforts and being the "glue" of the Saban family.
  • Kristen Saban Setas (Adopted Daughter):
    • Born: Mid-1980s/Early 1990s in Alabama.
    • Education: Graduate of the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!).
    • Career: Event Planner and Manager; previously worked as a student assistant in the Alabama Football Program.
    • Spouse: Adam Setas (married 2015), her high school sweetheart.
    • Family: Mother to a daughter, making Nick and Terry grandparents.
    • Public Stance: Has openly and positively discussed her adoption, confirming it was a decision rooted in love.
  • Nicholas "Nick" Saban (Adopted Son):
    • Career: Real Estate Agent.
    • Involvement: Actively involved in the Nick's Kids Foundation.
    • Family: Also a parent, making Nick and Terry grandparents to two children in total.

The Private "Why": A Deep Commitment to Family

The most unique aspect of the Sabans’ adoption story is the absence of a public, dramatic narrative. Unlike many high-profile figures who share intimate details of their struggles with fertility or the adoption process, Nick and Terry Saban have chosen a path of silence, allowing the focus to remain on their children and their family unit.

The core of their decision, as inferred from their actions and the few public comments made by their daughter, Kristen, was a simple, powerful desire to be parents. This was not a move for publicity or a late-life decision; it was a choice made early in their marriage to build the family they always wanted. The adoption of both Kristen and Nicholas was a private commitment, reflecting a profound belief that family is built on love and commitment, not biology.

Kristen Saban Setas, in a June 2024 interview on "The Next Round," openly embraced her adoption, confirming the family's transparency about the process. This openness from their daughter serves as the most direct confirmation of the love and stability the Sabans provided, highlighting a positive perspective on adoption as a beautiful way to build a family.

The family's private life, centered in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a testament to the stability they sought to create. Even after Nick Saban’s retirement from coaching, the family remains tightly knit, with both children involved in the community and the family's charitable endeavors.

The Public "Why": Connecting Adoption to Philanthropy

While the Sabans have kept their personal adoption story private, the spirit of their decision is publicly manifested in their extensive philanthropic work. Their commitment to children in need is the public-facing "why" that provides context for their private choice.

The Legacy of Nick's Kids Foundation

The Nick's Kids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the primary vehicle for the Sabans' commitment to family and children. The foundation is named in honor of Nick Saban's father, "Big Nick," who instilled in them the values of hard work and giving back.

The Foundation’s mission is dedicated to raising awareness and resources for deserving organizations, specifically supporting children, family, teacher, and student causes throughout Alabama and the surrounding region.

Key Charitable Entities and Projects

The scope of the Nick's Kids Foundation’s work is massive, creating a topical authority that reinforces the Sabans' lifelong dedication to providing opportunities for young people. This work serves as a powerful, public parallel to their private decision to adopt.

  • The "16 for 16" Home Building Project: A major, ongoing initiative in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa. The foundation committed to building 16 homes to commemorate Nick Saban's 16 seasons as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
  • The Saban Center: A major, multi-million dollar project in Tuscaloosa aimed at creating a state-of-the-art facility for STEM education and the arts, further cementing their commitment to students and teachers.
  • Annual Fall Giveaway: The foundation hosts an annual event to distribute grants and resources to numerous local charities and non-profits focused on youth development.
  • Focus on "Second Chances": Nick Saban has often spoken publicly about the importance of "second chances" for young people who make mistakes, a theme that resonates deeply with the spirit of adoption and providing a fresh start.

The charitable work, particularly the focus on providing stable environments and educational resources, directly reflects the values the Sabans brought to their own family. The adoption of Kristen and Nicholas was simply the most personal expression of a philosophy that has guided their entire lives: providing a chance for children to thrive.

More Than a Coach: The Legacy of "Miss Terry" and Nick

The true legacy of Nick and Terry Saban is not just the seven national championships or the countless football trophies, but the family they built and the community they uplifted. Their decision to adopt their two children, Nicholas and Kristen, was a quiet, intimate act of love that set the tone for their public philanthropy.

In a world where celebrity families often seek the spotlight, the Sabans chose discretion, ensuring their children grew up with the stability and privacy they needed. This private "why" ultimately became the public "how"—how a family with immense resources chose to use their platform not for personal gain, but for the betterment of children's lives across the state of Alabama. The Sabans’ adoption story is a testament to the fact that the most meaningful decisions are often the ones kept closest to the heart.

why did nick and terry saban adopt
why did nick and terry saban adopt

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