Notable Source Floats Possibility of Nick Saban Returning to Coaching

Will Nick Saban return to coaching? While it seems unlikely, one of Saban’s former players says he’s hearing that it’s a real possibility.

ESPN analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy floated the idea of Saban back roaming a college football sideline on his McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning show.

He claims a person “in the know” believes Saban will coach again.

“This is a little bit out of left field, but the question was asked of me … 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,” said McElroy. “They seem to think Nick Saban’s not done coaching. I had a similar reaction. He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again. … Look, if it wasn’t someone notable, I’d never say a word.”

Not disputing McElroy, but I just don't see Saban coaching again. He also shouldn't. He has a bullet proof resume and anything shy of another natty in an expanded playoff will be viewed as a disappointment. Also, Wren Baker joked about getting a no from Saban for WVU job. https://t.co/3f9DuibHS0

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) July 14, 2025

McElroy’s personal relationship with Saban makes this hard to completely dismiss, but one very prominent voice in the SEC argued why he feels the coaching legend will stay retired.

After first offering a resounding “no” to McElroy’s claim, Paul Finebaum then explained why he can’t take the rumor seriously.

“Greg, you know Nick Saban better than I do, but I ran into somebody the other day who spends time with Saban in Florida – you can imagine where – and said that he is literally having the time of his life,” Finebaum said.

“And why wouldn’t he? I’m much closer to Nick Saban’s age than you are and I can assure you, when you have everything you want and you start playing golf at the best golf clubs in America and you start making friends who belong to even better golf clubs and you make a lot of money for doing very little work on TV, the interest in doing what he walked away from is not very high.

“He had a better situation at Alabama the day he left than anywhere he goes, let’s say it’s next year. Now, I don’t know whether it’s college or pros – could he be talked into something in the NFL? I don’t know how, because I don’t know that itch burns anymore, either. But my opinion is Nick Saban is done in coaching.”

To further support Saban having coached his last game, WVU director of athletics Wren Baker joked about getting a no from Miss Terry (Saban’s wife) before he started his coaching search that landed on the return of Rich Rodriguez. Saban was consulted during WVU’s search and has even publicly endorsed the Rodriguez hire.

Saban, a Fairmont, W.Va. native, capped off his career with a 292-71-1 college record, seven national championships, 11 SEC titles and multiple Coach of the Year honors.

Saban arrived in Alabama in 2007 after a failed stint in the NFL as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. He then embarked on an illustrious run that would elevate his entire resume and stature to an epic level, making him the most accomplished college football coach ever. Saban won six of his seven National Championships at Alabama.

The 73-year-old also produced 44 NFL draft picks during his tenure as leader of the Crimson Tide. Before his success at Alabama, Saban won a national championship at LSU, led Michigan State from 1995 to 1999 and served on Bill Belichick’s staff with the Cleveland Browns.

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