ATLANTA (AP) — Nick Saban, who led Alabama to the No. 1 seed in the inaugural College Football Playoff, has been selected the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year.

The award, presented by the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Bobby Dodd Foundation, recognizes scholarship, leadership and success on the field.

Alabama ranked third in the Southeastern Conference with a 975 Academic Progress Rate.

Saban's foundation, the Nick's Kids Fund, has distributed more than $4 million to some 150 charities since 2007.

Alabama's 12-1 season included the school's 24th SEC championship. The Crimson Tide will play Ohio State in Thursday night's Sugar Bowl.