Pledging his commitment to Alabama for the rest of his coaching career, Nick Saban signed a contract extension Saturday that will keep him in charge of the Crimson Tide football program through the 2017 season.

Saban, accused by some of being a coaching nomad and not willing to set down roots, said prior to last season that there were "no other horizons" for him in the coaching profession. This latest deal would appear to be another clear indication that he has dug in at Alabama.

"Terry [Saban, Nick's wife] and I are pleased and happy that the University of Alabama has offered us an extension to our original contract," Saban said in a statement. "Our acceptance of the extension expresses our commitment to the University of Alabama for the rest of our coaching career.

"Dr. Witt and the university community have been tremendous in terms of their cooperation in rebuilding the football program. The outstanding support from [athletic director] Mal [Moore] and the athletic department have set the table for us to be successful. We greatly appreciate the time, effort and dedication of everyone involved with our football program, as well as the positive energy our fans have demonstrated since we've been in Tuscaloosa."

Financial terms of this new deal will be finalized after the compensation committee of the Alabama board of trustees meets, likely within the next couple of weeks.