Nick Saban shocked the college football world on Wednesday by announcing his retirement. After 17 seasons at the helm in Tuscaloosa, Saban is riding off into the sunset.

What’s even more surprising about this announcement is that Saban WORKED on Wednesday. Just hours before his retirement was announced, the coach was on a conference call with all other SEC head coaches. Saban had even reportedly interviewed coaches for open positions on his staff.

Saban’s defensive coordinator Kevin Steele also recently announced his retirement, so the administration at Alabama has work to do. The Tide finished Saban’s final season with a 12-2 record. The Tide were knocked out in the Rose Bowl by the Michigan Wolverines.

Saban will end his Alabama tenure with a 206-29 record with six national championships. The coach has the most national championships of any coach and is No. 15 in total wins. Saban is also 14th in all-time winning percentage.

How did Alabama land Nick Saban back in 2007? Check out Saturday Down South’s amazing “38 Days” feature on how the Tide pulled off the heist that changed college football forever.