Ancient Crab Species Named After Nick Saban

Though Nick Saban is no longer head coach of the University of Alabama’s football team, his legacy continues to resonate, but not on the field this time. It’s, interestingly, linked to the discovery of some ancient crab species.

Researchers at the University of Alabama have named one of the newly discovered ancient crab species after Saban. This discovery was announced after faculty members unearthed several ancient crab and shrimp fossils in central Alabama. It’s fascinating how the world of archaeology can intersect with the realm of college sports.

The formal name for the crab is Costa Copurma Nixavani, but it’s often referred to as the Saban Crab for convenience.

The species was found in Rounds County, Alabama, and is estimated to have existed between 48 to 87 million years ago. What’s even more intriguing is that this species seems to have survived the catastrophic meteor strikes that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs nearly 66 million years ago.

The name pays homage not just to Saban’s remarkable achievements, including six national championships during his tenure from 2007 to 2023, but also to his continued philanthropic efforts through the Kids Foundation, which positively impacts many children in Alabama and beyond.

Out of around 200 specimens collected, the Costa Copurma Nixavani was notably the most prevalent. Alongside the Saban Crab, other species were also identified, including seven additional types, which consist of another new crab, two other crab species, a yabbie crab, and three types of shrimp. Quite an impressive haul, really.