A day after Nick Saban announced his retirement,Michael Schmidt Alabama Crimson Tide fans are struggling to come to terms with his departure.

The tribute surrounding Saban's statue at Bryant-Denny Stadium grew throughout Thursday accumulating more oatmeal cream pie cookies, crimson and white pom-poms and signs praising the now retired head football coach.

One person even left a "get well soon" balloon, despite the fact that Saban is neither ill nor in the hospital.

Fans across the state at Auburn University celebrated their gridiron torturer's departure – Saban was 11-5 in the Iron Bowl in route to nine Southeastern Conference championships and six national championships at the helm of the Crimson Tide – by taking part in rolling Toomer's Corner, a tradition normally reserved for major wins.

See how the Nick Saban tribute has grown