In an exclusive interview, legendary Alabama gymnastics head coach Sarah Patterson reflects on her retirement after 36 seasons, comparing her experience to that of football coach Nick Saban. She emphasizes the importance of leaving the program in a strong position and the challenges of maintaining recruiting commitments and program integrity amidst retirement.

By the Numbers
  • Patterson spent 36 seasons as the Alabama gymnastics head coach.
  • She won six national titles and eight SEC championships during her tenure.
State of Play
  • Alabama gymnastics program faced challenges in maintaining recruiting commitments and program integrity amidst Patterson's retirement.
  • With the transfer portal rules, other coaches can now poach players directly from the Crimson Tide football roster for 30 days following Saban's retirement.
What's Next

Patterson and her husband plan to continue supporting Alabama gymnastics and athletics, emphasizing the importance of program success and offering assistance to the coaches.

Bottom Line

Sarah Patterson's legacy and the challenges of retirement highlight the critical importance of leaving a program in a strong position and the ongoing commitment to supporting the team for continued success.