The Return of a Legend: Could Nick Saban Be Plotting a Coaching Comeback?
On July 14, 2025, the college football world was set ablaze with speculation when former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy dropped a bombshell during his radio show, *McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning*. Citing a “very much in-the-know” source, McElroy suggested that legendary coach Nick Saban, who retired in January 2024, might not be done with coaching. This revelation has sparked fervent debate among fans, analysts, and insiders about whether the seven-time national champion could return to the sidelines. At 73 years old, with a storied career and a comfortable retirement, would Saban consider re-entering the high-stakes world of coaching? This article explores the possibility, the context, and the implications of such a move.
### **The Spark: McElroy’s Revelation**
Greg McElroy, who played under Saban at Alabama from 2007 to 2011 and won a national championship in 2009, shared on his radio show that a “notable” and “respected” source believes Saban’s coaching career is far from over. “If it wasn’t someone notable, I would never say a word,” McElroy emphasized, lending credibility to the claim. He recounted, “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’s not done coaching.”[](https://cbssports.com/college-football/news/greg-mcelroy-cites-notable-source-is-adamant-that-nick-saban-will-coach-college-football-again)
This statement, made during SEC Media Days in Atlanta, sent shockwaves through the college football community. McElroy’s cryptic comment didn’t specify whether Saban’s potential return would be in college football or the NFL, but the mere suggestion was enough to ignite speculation. However, McElroy himself expressed skepticism, later stating on the SEC Network panel that he’d be “shocked” if Saban returned, aligning his personal opinion with ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, who dismissed the rumor outright.[](https://saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-football/nick-saban-to-return-to-coaching-greg-mcelroy-cites-in-the-know-source-at-sec-media-days)[](https://bamahammer.com/nick-saban-rumors-are-back-and-paul-finebaum-isn-t-having-any-of-it)
### **Saban’s Retirement: A Life of Leisure or Unfinished Business?**
Since stepping down as Alabama’s head coach after the 2023 season, Nick Saban has embraced a seemingly idyllic retirement. He’s taken on a high-profile role as an analyst on ESPN’s *College GameDay*, where he’s earned praise for his insights and even won an Emmy for his work. Beyond broadcasting, Saban has been spotted enjoying golf, spending time at his Florida beach house, and engaging in lucrative speaking engagements. Paul Finebaum, a close observer of Saban, noted that the coach is “having the time of his life” in retirement, suggesting that the stress-free lifestyle might outweigh any lingering desire to coach.[](https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/nick-saban-coaching-return-alabama-comments)[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/paul-finebaum-makes-stance-clear-140832666.html)
Yet, Saban’s competitive nature is legendary. His career boasts an unparalleled record: seven national championships (six at Alabama, one at LSU), eight SEC titles, and a 292-71-1 record. His final game, a 27-20 overtime loss to Michigan in the 2023 College Football Playoff, left a bitter taste, with critical mistakes haunting the Crimson Tide. Some speculate that this unresolved ending could fuel Saban’s “itch” to return. McElroy’s source seems to believe this fire still burns, despite Saban’s comfortable post-coaching life.[](https://sportsnaut.com/college-football/nick-saban-planning-college-football-coaching-comeback/)[](https://tide1009.com/is-nick-saban-really-retired)
### **The Case for a College Football Return**
The idea of Saban returning to college football is tantalizing but complex. On one hand, the landscape of college football has changed dramatically since his retirement. The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal created chaos that Saban openly criticized before retiring. However, the recent *House v. NCAA* settlement could bring more structure to the sport, potentially making it a more appealing environment for a coach of Saban’s stature.[](https://archyde.com/saban-could-return-to-coaching-says-mcelroy)[](https://liveindia.tv/sports/could-nick-saban-return-to-coaching-rumors-swirl-despite-his-espn-success-and-retirement-joy/)
Speculation about potential destinations has run rampant. One surprising theory, proposed by On3’s Andy Staples, points to Auburn, Alabama’s bitter rival, as a possible landing spot. Staples argued that Auburn’s infrastructure could meet Saban’s demands, though the idea of Saban coaching the Tigers has sparked debate, with some like Ari Wasserman noting that Alabama fans would “rightfully hate him” for such a move. Another program mentioned is Arkansas, where deep-pocketed donors like Jerry Jones could lure Saban with a lucrative offer.[](https://athlonsports.com/college/alabama-crimson-tide/nick-saban-predicted-to-return-to-coaching-at-alabamas-biggest-rival)[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/college-football/article-14904647/Nick-Saban-college-football-ESPN.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss)
LSU head coach Brian Kelly added fuel to the fire, expressing hope that Saban would return, stating, “It’d be better for college football if Nick Saban is coaching. Period.” Kelly highlighted Saban’s ability to develop players and build championship programs, suggesting that his return would elevate the sport.[](https://www.on3.com/news/brian-kelly-endorses-the-possibility-of-nick-saban-returning-to-college-football/)
### **The NFL Angle: A More Likely Path?**
While much of the buzz centers on college football, some analysts believe the NFL is a more realistic destination for Saban. On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman suggested that Saban, who coached the Miami Dolphins from 2005 to 2006, might be more inclined to return to the professional ranks. Staples noted that Saban might not return to college football until there’s a “firm set of rules,” which could take years, making the NFL a quicker fit.[](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/alabama/news/nick-saban-would-return-coach-nfl-not-college-football-alabama-crimson-tide/d7405b88aa656910eade0995)
Saban’s NFL tenure was brief and less successful than his college career, with a 15-17 record over two seasons with the Dolphins. However, his experience as a defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns and his deep football knowledge could make him an attractive candidate for an NFL franchise seeking a proven leader. Speculation has even tied him to monitoring the job security of current Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel.[](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/alabama/news/nick-saban-would-return-coach-nfl-not-college-football-alabama-crimson-tide/d7405b88aa656910eade0995)
### **Why Saban Might Stay Retired**
Despite the rumors, there are compelling reasons to believe Saban is done coaching. At 73, he’s approaching an age where the grueling demands of coaching—recruiting, game-planning, and managing a program—might be less appealing. Paul Finebaum, a vocal skeptic, argued that Saban had a “better situation at Alabama the day he left” than any potential opportunity now. He emphasized Saban’s enjoyment of retirement, including his golf game and stress-free lifestyle.[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/paul-finebaum-makes-stance-clear-140832666.html)[](https://www.on3.com/news/greg-mcelroy-person-in-the-know-believes-nick-saban-will-return-coaching/)
Moreover, Alabama is in good hands with Kalen DeBoer, who went 9-4 in his first season and has recruited well. Saban himself remains involved with the Crimson Tide as an advisor, even appearing on the recruiting trail. A return to Alabama seems unlikely, as it would disrupt DeBoer’s tenure and Saban’s legacy.[](https://bamahammer.com/if-nick-saban-returns-to-coaching-it-won-t-be-at-alabama-or-any-other-college-greg-mcelroy)[](https://bamahammer.com/nick-saban-rumors-are-back-and-paul-finebaum-isn-t-having-any-of-it)
### **The Impact of a Saban Comeback**
If Saban were to return, the ripple effects would be seismic. In college football, his presence would instantly elevate any program, making it a national championship contender. For rivals like Georgia, who struggled against Saban’s Alabama teams, his return would be a daunting prospect. In the NFL, Saban’s return could reshape a franchise, though his age and past NFL struggles might temper expectations.[](https://dawnofthedawg.com/georgia-football-boogeyman-could-make-a-return-to-college-football)
Financially, Saban’s return would command a massive contract. His reputation and track record would justify a deal rivaling the $10-15 million annually mentioned by Finebaum for a hypothetical offer. Additionally, his return would dominate headlines, boosting interest in the sport and potentially drawing new viewers.[](https://on3.com/news/paul-finebaum-reacts-to-report-of-nick-saban-interest-in-returning-to-coaching)
### **Conclusion: A Legend’s Next Chapter?**
The possibility of Nick Saban returning to coaching remains speculative, driven by a single, albeit credible, source cited by Greg McElroy. While the idea excites fans and analysts, the evidence suggests Saban is content in retirement, thriving in his new roles. Whether the competitive fire that defined his career still burns brightly enough to pull him back to the sidelines—be it in college or the NFL—remains uncertain. For now, the college football world watches and waits, wondering if the greatest coach of all time has one more chapter to write.[](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/alabama/news/alabama-nick-saban-return-coaching-possibility-former-qb/41cc00e3ee54ef3ae2e8e73d)[](https://sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/alabama/news/college-football-insider-legendary-coach-back-someday/e0e62fe48258a6fd607b6a16)
As the 2025 season approaches, with Alabama set to face Florida State on August 30, the focus remains on Kalen DeBoer and the current Crimson Tide. But the whispers of Saban’s return ensure that his legacy looms large, keeping the football world on edge for what might come next.
