Saban named Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year

Saban, who coached the Crimson Tide to a 12-2 finish and the SEC West Division championship this season, beat out fellow finalists such as Mack Brown of Texas, Pete Carroll of Southern Cal, Urban Meyer of Florida and Kyle Whittingham of Utah for the Robinson Award. The award is named for the longtime Grambling coach, who was the winningest college coach at any level at the time of his retirement.

Saban has already won five coaching awards this year, including national coach of the year by the Associated Press, The Sporting News, the Walter Camp Foundation and ESPN/Home Depot, as well as Southeastern Conference coach of the year. He is also a finalist for both the Paul "Bear" Bryant national coach of the year award, which will be announced on Jan. 15.