Remarks from a former Alabama football staff member regarding Nick Saban’s comeback to coaching

The story reignited earlier this month when former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy—now an ESPN College GameDay analyst—revealed on his Birmingham radio show, “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning,” that someone “very much in the know” had informed him Nick Saban might not be done with coaching Roll ‘Bama Roll+15SI+15tdalabamamag.com+15. McElroy prefaced the revelation thoughtfully:

“A very much in‑the‑know person that I have a lot of respect for … seems to think Nick Saban is not done coaching,”
adding: “He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again.” SI+5SI+5FOX Sports+5

McElroy stressed that he wouldn’t have mentioned this if not from a credible source:

“If it wasn’t someone notable, I would never say a word.” SI+4SI+4FOX Sports+4

That admission alone stirred conversation across SEC Media Days, social media, and Alabama’s storied fan base. But just as quickly, voices of skepticism arose.

Skeptics emerge: fine-tuned retirement

Paul Finebaum, a longtime ESPN and SEC pundit, has emerged as one of the most vocal doubters. During the radio show with McElroy, Finebaum quipped that he recently ran into someone spending time with Saban—presumably in Florida—

“literally having the time of his life” Wikipedia+15SI+15Reuters+15.

He mused that Saban now enjoys far more relaxing routines—premium golf courses, upscale social circles, lucrative TV gigs—and that returning to coaching “wouldn’t be very high” on his list Sportskeeda+10SI+10SI+10.

Similarly, McElroy, despite his insider tip, admitted:

“You want my personal opinion? I think he’s done. I’d be shocked [if he came back].” New York Post+7FOX Sports+7SI+7

Finebaum reiterated this during subsequent interviews:

“He’s having the time of his life” and the idea of returning “is not very high”—adding that where he ended his Alabama career was better than any future gig The Phinsider+15SI+15New York Post+15SI+1New York Post+1.

Finebaum’s impressions reflect a strong belief that Saban has comfortably transitioned into post-coaching life and sees no pressing motive to go back.

Former players weigh in: hunger never fades

Meanwhile, former Tide players have been more contemplative—some suggesting the fire that drove Saban for years could still burn quietly inside him.

Damien Harris, Alabama’s running back from 2015–18, told Touchdown Alabama Magazine:

“I think if given the proper opportunity, I don’t think you could pay him not to take it … This is a guy who loves college football … he’s not built that way.” New York Post+1New York Post+1tdalabamamag.com

Harris understands from firsthand experience Saban’s intensity and drive. He continued:

“He wasn’t that way when I played for him … we still all know that he loves college football.” GQtdalabamamag.com

That sentiment—Saban as a coaching addict—is echoed within the Crimson Tide community, where colleagues and assistants recall the relentless energy he brought to every task, be it recruiting, game prep, or program culture.

Reactions from coaching proteges

At SEC Media Days, Saban’s former defensive coordinator turned Georgia head coach Kirby Smart offered both a humorous and insightful take on the matter. He joked about offering Saban his former analyst aide position:

“I called and offered him (Will) Muschamp’s (analyst) job, but he was overqualified.” New York Post+2Reuters+2Bama Hammer+2

Then, with a chuckle, he imparted a more grounded reality:

“Make no mistake about it—the boss at home (Saban’s wife, Terry) is going to make that call for him, not him.” GQ+2Reuters+2Bama Hammer+2

Smart’s remark made headlines: while not dismissing the idea of a return, he emphasized that the decision would come down to policy at home, not professional ambition ReutersBama Hammer.

Adding to the fray, Lane Kiffin, the former Alabama offensive coordinator (2014–16) and current Ole Miss head coach, said he’s long anticipated a return:

“I kind of always thought that was going to happen. I kind of thought it would happen after one year … I just think he’ll be back, whether it’s NFL or college.” Roll ‘Bama Roll+5Reuters+5New York Post+5New York Post

Kiffin, who worked directly under Saban and experienced both sides of his exacting leadership, suggested Saban’s competitive drive could pull him back—with or without immediate intent.

ESPN coverage & public rumors

Media outlets quickly fueled fan speculation. Reuters captured Smart’s remark about Terry having the final word and recapped Kiffin’s hopeful outlook that Saban would circle back tdalabamamag.com+15Reuters+15New York Post+15. SI, ESPN, Fox Sports, and the NY Post covered the story extensively, balancing McElroy’s insider perspective with Finebaum’s counterpoints and Kiffin’s expectations FOX Sports+1New York Post+1.

A New York Post earlier article noted Saban’s daughter Kristen quickly dismissed rumors after fans latched onto a nostalgic Instagram Story clip:

“He’s not coming back to coaching, hate to break it to you … You had your time.” New York Post

On the flip side, outlets including Sports Illustrated and SI’s Crimson Tide branch also ran long features on the rumor, giving voice to both McElroy’s tip and the contrasting opinions SISI.

DeBoer & Saban’s presence at Bama

Amid this speculation, comments from Kalen DeBoer, Saban’s successor, have surfaced as telling details. Sportskeeda reported he was grateful for Saban’s quiet presence in recruiting weekends. DeBoer noted it wasn’t easy to schedule time with him:

“We could not find a date together. He’s busy doing his thing.” Sportskeeda+2Sportskeeda+2New York Post+2

But DeBoer confirmed the former coach still plays an active role:

“Why not make something special … when they come to your campus for an official visit?” Sportskeeda

That involvement underscores that Saban, even after official retirement, retains influence—though not necessarily prepping for a return to the sidelines.

Culture & coaching grooming

Beyond direct comments, many former assistants have painted vivid portraits of Saban’s operational and relational style—illustrating what a potential return might bring.

Scott Pioli, a longtime NFL personnel man and Saban confidant, likened his method to the way Raider legend Al Davis operated:

“He’s as good a listener as I’ve ever been around … loves to get 90 [percent] and give 10 percent,” adding it’s more about learning than stealing. CBSSports.com

Phil Bennett, Baylor’s former defensive coordinator, noted Saban asked him for insight into the spread offense—but said:

“It’s not stealing information; it’s learning it.” CBSSports.com

These remarks highlight Saban’s intellectual curiosity and adaptability—traits that would only deepen if he were to return.

Defense coach Charlie Strong, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was an analyst under Saban. He helped lead the 2021 National Championship defense and has moved into the NFL ranks Wikipedia, showing Saban’s coaching tree remains strong and his methods still relevant at the pro level.

Echoes from players: discipline, intensity, care

Former players continue to shine light on the duality of Saban—both tough and caring.

A Sportskeeda article recalls how brutal his arrival in 2006 was:

“It was hell,” said former offensive tackle Mike Johnson. Practices were “all‑out, brutal work,” said Antoine Caldwell. Sportskeeda

Yet, Saban also showed tremendous compassion. Caldwell and Johnson shared stories of him making time to check in on players’ mothers or show personal care amid demanding training SportskeedaSI.

Lane Kiffin recalled two Saban personas: authoritarian on the field, tender at home:

“Seeing that side of Coach Saban … I understood that two of the most demanding coaches … were one way at home and one way in the building.” Wikipedia+15ESPN.com+15ESPN.com+15

Florida coach Billy Napier and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized the depth of Saban and his wife Terry’s personal support:

“Don’t underestimate the impact Miss Terry had on him and … their families,” Napier said. The Sun+3ESPN.com+3Reuters+3
Sarkisian reflected: “It saved my career … I’m forever grateful that he and Miss Terry were both there for me.” ESPN.com

That sense of loyalty and empathy deepens respect across the coaching fraternity—including potential reasons for any future return.

NFL whispers and fan reaction

Rumors also reached NFL circles. According to The Phinsider, Miami Dolphins fans strongly rejected the idea of Saban returning as their head coach—citing his past shortcomings and suggesting he might be ill-suited to the modern locker room New York Post+2Reuters+2New York Post+2The Phinsider.

On the flip side, some commentators floated the idea of Saban joining a franchise like the Dallas Cowboys. The Sun noted that figures like Colin Cowherd and Albert Breer viewed the move as “not entirely outlandish”—though equally skeptical of a 73‑year‑old returning full-time The Sun.

Balancing ambition with contentment

To summarize the landscape, sentiments fall into roughly three camps:

1. The “He’s probably done” camp

• Paul Finebaum and Greg McElroy’s own second‑guessing emphasize Saban’s contentment in retirement—golf, family, and media work.
• Kristen Saban firmly dismissed any rumors.
• Kirby Smart humorously deferred to “the boss at home,” indicating that if Saban were considering it, he’d have to clear it at home.

2. The “The itch might still be there” camp

• Greg McElroy reported a credible source believes he’s not finished.
• Damien Harris spoke of Saban’s love for the game as a powerful motivator.
• Lane Kiffin and other former assistants say it wouldn’t surprise them at all.

3. The “Saban still involved” camp

• Kalen DeBoer confirms Saban maintains an active, influential presence in recruiting weekends.
• Former assistants like Pioli, Bennett, and Strong demonstrate Saban’s coaching philosophy—and ongoing relevance—via their own career trajectories.

What would a return look like?

If Saban did return—to college or the NFL—it would likely carry monumental weight. He’d arrive with decades of experience and pedigree unmatched in modern history. Yet the shift since 2023 is stark: recruitment landscapes have changed with NIL; athlete empowerment looks different; media expectations have shifted.

Still, Saban is a perennial adapter—he moved from NFL to college, brought spread knowledge into defensive strategy, and built one of the greatest dynasties ever. His return would be met with instant hype, sky‑high expectations, and enormous scrutiny.

Final thoughts

Right now, concrete evidence points toward Saban staying retired. His family, his enjoyment of golf and media work, and bold statements from his inner circle support that narrative. And yet, the voices of his former players, assistants, and leadership colleagues give weight to the theory he may not be finished.

It all comes down to timing, motivation, and whether Saban feels the competitive spark or new challenges outweigh his current comfort zone. As it stands, here’s a snapshot of where things rest:

• Retired, living well, and reportedly content (Finebaum, Kristen Saban)

• Open to the possibility, but no immediate signs (McElroy, Smart, DeBoer)

• Motivated by competitive drive—even if quiet now (Harris, Kiffin, Bennett, Pioli, DeBoer)

Only Saban himself and Terry know the final answer. If another opportunity emerges—an NFL franchise seeking structure, or a college program offering supreme autonomy—don’t rule it out completely. But for now, it remains speculation, fueled by hope, rumor, loyalty, and respect.

One thing’s clear: regardless of whether he returns, Nick Saban’s legacy—and influence—remain deeply entrenched in both the fabric of Alabama football and the broader coaching landscape.