The Crimson Tide Foundation is a private, donor-funded nonprofit dedicated to supporting Alabama athletics. Its assistant secretary, Scott Phelps, told al.com the foundation purchased the home -- and paid for its 2013 property taxes as the Sabans reside there -- as a show of appreciation for Saban's success.
"It's not all that unusual in the world for universities to provide the housing," Phelps said. "We want to keep him happy. We think he is the best coach in America."
Phelps pointed out that Alabama owned the homes used by Bear Bryant during his Tide tenure and said the Sabans would be free to live in the 8,759-square-foot home for as long as they choose.
The home was purchased in the wake of Alabama's 2012 national championship and rumors that Texas officials had contacted Saban agent Jimmy Sexton to gauge his interest in coaching the Longhorns. Phelps denied the Texas reports were connected to the home sale in any way.
An NCAA spokeswoman told al.com that a university foundation is permitted to assist the athletic department in providing coaching compensation.
