The
Alabama Crimson Tide football team represents the
University of Alabama (variously Alabama, UA, or 'Bama) in the sport of
American football. The Crimson Tide competes in the
Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the
National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and the Western Division of the
Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team is currently coached by
Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide is among the most storied and decorated football programs in NCAA history. Since beginning play in 1892, the program recognizes 16 of the
national championships awarded to the team, including 11 wire-service (
AP or
Coaches) national titles in the poll-era, the most of any current FBS program. From 1958 to 1982, the team was led by Hall of Fame coach
Paul "Bear" Bryant, who won six national championships with the program. Despite numerous national and conference championships, it was not until 2009 that an Alabama player received a
Heisman Trophy, when running back
Mark Ingram became the university's first winner. In 2015,
Derrick Henry became the university's second Heisman winner.