Here’s the latest on the Nick Saban return-to-coaching rumor, sparked by a former Alabama quarterback:
🗣️ What Greg McElroy said
- Greg McElroy, former Alabama QB and ESPN college football analyst, mentioned on his show McElroy & Cubelic in the Morning that a “very much in the know” source reportedly believes Saban “is not done coaching” and “will be coaching again”.
🛑 Immediate pushback
- Kristen Saban, Nick’s daughter, dismissed the rumors after posting a nostalgic throwback on Instagram. She wrote:
“Apparently some of y’all feel trolled… he’s not coming back to coaching, hate to break it to you.”
- Paul Finebaum echoed skepticism, noting Saban is “literally having the time of his life” enjoying retirement in Florida.
🔍 Coaches weigh in
- Kirby Smart (Georgia coach and former Saban assistant) publicly laughed off the rumor, calling it “scuttlebutt” and saying he regularly talks with Saban, who’s content where he is.
- Lane Kiffin, another former assistant, said he wouldn’t be surprised if Saban returned “after one year,” describing him as “so sharp”.
⚖️ Bottom line
- While McElroy’s insider tip sparked renewed talk, Saban’s daughter, Finebaum, and Kirby Smart have largely debunked the idea—emphasizing his enjoyment of retirement and analyst work rather than sideline involvement.
- Lane Kiffin and McElroy maintain it’s not impossible—but concrete evidence is lacking.
🧭 What to watch
- Will any official statement follow from Nick or his wife, Terry?
- Could a compelling NFL or college role emerge that changes the narrative?
Let me know if you’d like insight into how Saban’s potential return would impact any specific program.
