Nick Saban returns to coaching, Nick Saban—This name is a living legend in the history of college football. This coach, who won 7 national championships and 11 SEC titles, retired from Alabama in 2024. However, even after retirement, the buzz surrounding his name does not seem to stop. Recently, several analysts, including ESPN, On3, CBS Sports, and others, have rekindled the discussion about Nick Saban’s return to coaching. Nick Saban’s return to coaching is now one of the most talked about topics in the college football arena.
The center of discussion even from outside the sidelines
Nick Saban is currently working as a college football analyst for ESPN. But even in this new role, his passion for competition hasn’t diminished. ESPN analyst Greg McElroy—who himself once played under Saban—said in a recent interview, “An insider believes it’s only a matter of time before Nick Sabhan returns to coaching.” And this comment sent a storm through the entire football community.
Possible destinations: Who will be Saban’s next team?
There are varying perspectives on the possibility of Nick Saban returning to coaching. Multiple programs have been mentioned—each with a different context.
1. LSU: A story of returning to an old love?
Saban’s former program, LSU, is considered by many to be a possible destination. His past success there was amazing. If he were to return to LSU, it would be a nostalgic but challenging return.
2. Florida State: A New Platform to Take on the Challenge?
CBS Sports analyst Tom Fornelli believes that Florida State, plagued by poor performance, could be a great resurgence for the Saban program. However, On3’s Andy Staples says that unless the NCAA makes structural changes, Nick Saban’s return to coaching will not materialize.
3. West Virginia: Emotions vs. Reality
Ari Wasserman takes a different tack. In his opinion, his birthplace, West Virginia, could be the stage for Sab’s final chapter. While the infrastructure and competitive capabilities are limited, the emotional connection makes it special.
4. Ohio State: A chance to return to the top?
Ohio State’s current coach Ryan Day has a solid record, but a series of failures against Michigan is putting his job at risk. Analysts are saying, “Why would you keep anyone else if you have Nick Saban, whether it’s Ryan Day or someone else?” If Saban wants to, Ohio State could be the perfect place for him to return to coaching. so Nick Saban returns to coaching again…
Lane Kiffin’s prediction: “Seban will be back”
Ole Miss coach Len Kiffin, who was once an assistant to Saban, believes his former boss will return to the field. “If this guy isn’t coaching, it’s kind of like ‘malpractice.’ I’m sure he’ll be back — maybe in college football, maybe in the NFL,” he said.
Lane Kiffin added that Nick Saban returns to coaching, still intelligent and competitive despite working as an analyst for ESPN. His experience and passion could bring him back to the field.
The realities and obstacles of returning to coaching
While there is a lot of talk, the reality is not easy. Saban is already 73 years old and the change of NIL (Name-Image-Likeness) era is confronting him with a different reality. Before returning to coaching, he needs to consider—
Program Infrastructure
- Competitive Capability
- Talent Recruiting Management
- NCAA Rule Changes
Saban has said in the past that he will only work on programs that have a strong foundation to become champions.
The reality of fans’ wishes and rumors
Wherever his name is mentioned, there is always a buzz. His seven national championships and experience in developing hundreds of NFL talent have made him a unique figure in the coaching world. The buzz surrounding Nick Saban’s return to coaching proves that he is not just a coach—he is part of the DNA of college football.
Conclusion: Will Saban return?
Nothing is certain yet. But with ESPN analysts, former assistants, and fans joining in on every rumor, it’s clear that a Nick Saban coaching return is possible, and if it happens, it could completely change the landscape of college football.