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A well-known aphorism opines that coaches only lie about job opportunities when their lips are moving. Given the way Nick Saban’s lips have moved lately, you can count me among those starting to give weight to rumors that the 73-year-old legend could leave ESPN and return to the sidelines.
The former Alabama coach didn’t slam the door shut on a comeback when asked whether he’d consider coaching again for the “right” opportunity. As Saban told Fox & Friends: “There is no opportunity that I know of right now that would enhance me to go back to coaching. I enjoy what I’m doing.”
Of course, Saban wouldn’t be Saban without taking a potshot at the media he’s now part of. When asked about former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy saying someone “in the know” said Saban wasn’t finished, his old coach just scoffed. “You know, it’s amazing to me that that came up in the media—and the media speaks for you and thinks for you.”
Whatever you say, Coach. But the critical words there, to me, were “right now.” On the surface, the seven-time national champion returning to the sidelines makes zero sense. Saban is rich, revered, and still relevant thanks to his superb performance on ESPN’s iconic College GameDay. He has time to spend with his family and golf all he wants while charging a fortune for speeches.
Saban looks relatively young, tan, and refreshed. But don’t forget that he turns 74 on Oct. 31. That would make him the oldest coach in college football ahead of 73-year-old Bill Belichick, who’s six months younger. In the NFL, the only coach older would be Pete Carroll of the Raiders, who will turn 74 on Sept. 15.
Saban joined ESPN only one month after retiring from Alabama in January 2024. Despite that, here’s why I believe it’s possible Saban is weighing a media exit and one last ride as a coach:
- McElroy is not the only Saban associate feeding the rumor mill. During SEC media says, his former assistant turned Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin said: “I don’t think he’s done. I think he’ll be back. Whether that’s college or NFL, I think he’ll be back. … I thought it’d be probably one year in the media, then back.” Fox’s Colin Cowherd went further, claiming the “worst-kept secret in the South” is that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam wants to hire Saban, then draft Arch Manning out of Texas. “Saban’s not going to college. He would take a call in the NFL,” said Cowherd.
- Most coaches don’t truly want to do anything else. The number of coaches who entered broadcasting, only to run back to the sidelines, is as long as my arm. Sean Payton spent 2022 with Fox Sports before returning to the NFL with the Broncos. Bruce Arians had a one-year TV gig with CBS Sports in 2018 before returning to the sideline and winning a Super Bowl with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Urban Meyer retired from Florida in 2009, spent 2010 with ESPN, then returned to coaching at Ohio State in 2011. He’s back on TV with Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff after an unsuccessful stint with the Jaguars. And Jon Gruden left the NFL in 2009 to become ESPN’s top analyst on Monday Night Football—only to return to the Raiders in 2018. After leaving amidst a scandal, he’s now with Barstool Sports.
- In his first year on GameDay, Saban won a well-deserved Emmy Award for Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent. With Lee Corso retiring, he’s in a stronger position than ever. Even if he were to scratch the coaching itch for a year or two, ESPN would likely welcome him back with open arms the way they did with Jeff Saturday, who left briefly to coach the Colts before returning to the bosom of Bristol.
- Remember who we are talking about here. It’s hard to forget Saban lying through his teeth about taking the Crimson Tide job while coaching the Dolphins in 2007. Spurned Dolphins fans still refer to him as “Nick Satan.”
The legendary coach leaving ESPN for coaching is still a long shot. But it’s not out of the question. Saban’s one of the most competitive people on the planet. He’s watching while a revitalized Belichick—his former boss with the Browns—tries to turn around UNC’s football program.
One last thought: Despite six Super Bowl trophies with the Patriots, other NFL owners refused to hire Belichick. Saban would have to be amused if NFL owners like Haslam courted him while exiling Belichick to the ACC. Plus, he wouldn’t have to clean the house for Miss Terry.
