Alabama fans greet returning champions at airport

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WALA) - The Alabama Crimson Tide made a triumphant return to Tuscaloosa Wednesday afternoon, now-national champions for the third time in four years.

A HEROES' WELCOME

It was truly a heroes' welcome. Hundreds of screaming supporters gathered at the Tuscaloosa airport to cheer the return of the triumphant Tide, and, as soon as he got off the plane, coach Nick Saban walked straight over to those fans.

“Appreciate your support all year and I know the players really appreciate ya’ll being here today. Thank you so much,” Coach Saban said to fans.

In true Saban fashion, he gave the credit for another title to his players.

“Everyone thinks it’s hardest to win the first one, but it’s really hardest to repeat. For these guys to do what they did we’re very pleased and proud of what they did, and we’re happy for our Crimson Tide nation, for the support that they’ve given us,” Saban said.

HUNDREDS OF FANS CHEERING

That Crimson Tide nation was well-represented by the hundreds of fans lining the fence.

“We’re all just emotionally invested in them, and we’re proud of them and we just want to be here and show them our support,” one fan said.

“We just wanted to show them we support them and we couldn’t go to the game, but we were here in spirit and we’re so proud of them,” another fan told us.

Coach Saban said it's those fervent fans that drive what he does.

“I think it really makes you feel good when you see the people who really support the program and love the team and I think that makes it worth while. I think that’s why you do this. You do this for other people you don’t just do it for yourself,” Coach Saban said.

Well there are a lot of people who are quite happy with what Coach Saban and his players have done once again.

Talker: Now that he has won three championships in four years, a lot of people are comparing Nick Saban to Paul William “Bear” Bryant.  Who do you think was the better coach?