WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama is congratulating University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban on another BCS championship, joking that ``he and the Crimson Tide are beginning to make this a habit.''

Alabama won its third championship during Obama's presidency on Monday night, defeating Notre Dame 42-14 in Miami.

Obama called Saban on Thursday afternoon and noted that it was the third time he'd made the congratulatory call to the coach.

The White House says Obama commended Saban ``on the incredible organization he has built'' and said he looks forward to congratulating the team in person at the White House.