TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — Nick Saban once again took part in the traditional “Walk of Champions” prior to Alabama’s game, joined by a crowd of cheering fans.

This time, the coach who led the Crimson Tide to six national championships in 17 seasons walked through doors beneath a sign that read “Saban Field.” He also walked part of the way with his wife, Terry, and grandson James, instead of his players and coaches.

Alabama officially unveiled a sign with the new name “Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium” just hours before the fourth-place Tide hosted South Florida. The sign was celebrated on the field during halftime.

“It’s a great honor to have the field named after the legacy we’ve been able to create here,” Saban told the assembled fans, dressed in his familiar gray suit and crimson tie.

“But I want this legacy to represent every player who played, who worked hard, every coach who helped these players develop, our board who built a foundation that gave us a chance to be successful.”

Successful is an understatement.

Saban, who announced his retirement from coaching in January, led Alabama to a 206-29 on-the-field record and nine SEC titles, at one point holding the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll for a record 15 consecutive seasons. The previous record of seven was held by Miami.

Saban now works for ESPN and has an office in the stadium, where he was previously honored with a statue. He was replaced by former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer.

Bryant–Denny Stadium is named after former president George Denny, who took over in 1912, and the late football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Alabama’s enrollment grew from 25,580 in Saban’s first year, 2007, to 39,623 in the final academic year, the university said. Saban noted that football and track and field in general “are the window through which people look (at) this university.”

“And the impact that we’ve been able to have by having successful programs has taken our university to the next level,” he said. “And I’m proud that we’ve been able to contribute to that in so many ways.”

Saban and his wife Terry gave a speech at the ceremony before taking a short walk to the stadium.

“Their legacy will live on for generations to come at the University of Alabama,” said university President Stuart Bell.