With the first SEC coaching vacancy of the 2025 season now open thanks to Sam Pittman’s dismissal, could Saban be headed to The Hill? Crazier things have happened — just ask John Calipari.
Despite his insistence to the contrary, people close to football coaching legend Nick Saban, holder of a record seven national titles and considered the greatest coach in college football history, insist he’s not done on the sidelines. Last summer, former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy dropped a bomb during a radio interview, suggesting that someone he respects believes Saban isn’t done coaching.
“A very much in-the-know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around and just really, really admire, they seem to think Nick Saban is not done coaching,” McElroy said, doubling down on his remarks later on The Paul Finebaum Show. “He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again.”
Longtime Saban assistant and current Ole Miss skipper Lane Kiffin threw gas on the speculative fire during SEC Media Days, suggesting on The Paul Finebaum Show he wouldn’t be surprised if Saban returned to the sidelines.
“He’s one of the greatest of all times, and like I saw an interview with him the other day, he’s still sharp, smart, like he belongs in coaching,” Kiffin said. “It’s malpractice for him not to be in coaching — one of the key words he used to use. He’s such a great teacher.”
Patrick Surtain, Denver Broncos defensive back and former Alabama star, echoed this thought more recently.
“Saban lives and breathes football,” Surtain said on the “Closed on Sundays with Pat Terrion” podcast. “He’s got to get back into coaching. I don’t know if it’s gonna be a smaller school. I think Saban’s the right fit to build a program from square one to build into a damn powerhouse.
“I think him going to another school would be great for college football. With all the NIL going on, kids transferring left and right for the money, I think him establishing that would be good for college football.”
Of course, Saban’s interest is just one hurdle any potential suitor would have to clear; there’s also the princely sum someone with his qualifications would demand. After all, ‘Bama reportedly coughed up nearly $11 million for Saban’s services in 2022, his final year in the coaching ranks. Then there’s Coach’s current gig at ESPN’s College Gameday that doesn’t exactly have him clipping coupons and comes without the day-in, day-out headaches of fans, NIL and other aspects of the 24-hour pressure cooker that is college coaching.
Photo Credit: Arkansas Razorbacks
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