Nick Saban, who retired from Alabama after cementing himself as one of the greatest coaches in the sport’s history, has long been considered untouchable, both because of his success and the assumption that he left the game for good. But recent chatter suggests that the door might not be fully closed.
Rumors of a Nick Saban Comeback Gaining Steam
Could Nick Saban really make a shocking return to college football, and to the ACC, no less? That’s the bold idea floated recently by ESPN analyst Ryan Wilson during The Adam Gold Show.
In a surprising twist that has captured the imagination of college football fans, Wilson speculated that NC State should offer the legendary Alabama coach a $20 million deal to take over if current head coach Dave Doeren were to step down.
The speculation gained momentum during SEC Media Days, where former Saban player Greg McElroy claimed on his radio show that someone “in the know” believes Saban will coach again. That single quote became the spark that lit a wildfire of rumors across sports media.
Even coaches have gotten in on the conversation. Lane Kiffin called it “malpractice” for Saban not to be coaching. LSU’s Brian Kelly said Saban’s return would be “a great day.” The SEC’s four-day media circus lapped it up, creating a perfect storm of nostalgia, curiosity, and controversy.
Saban is a seven-time National Champion, an uncompromising strategist, and a master motivator. His name alone carries championship expectations. The idea that he could be lured out of retirement for the right opportunity, especially with a massive offer like $20 million, is not as far-fetched as it once seemed.
Why NC State?
Ryan Wilson’s comment wasn’t just hypothetical entertainment. There’s logic behind it. If NC State were to move on from Doeren, who has had a mixed tenure in Raleigh, the program could potentially take a massive leap by hiring a name like Saban.
NC State has consistently hovered near the top of the ACC but has never broken through to true national relevance. Hiring Saban would instantly shift that dynamic. From recruiting dominance to national media attention, the ripple effects would be enormous.
And while a $20 million salary might seem outrageous, for a program hungry for prestige and playoff relevance in the rapidly shifting college football landscape, it could be a worthwhile investment. As conference realignment continues to threaten the ACC’s stability, adding a figure like Saban would give NC State serious leverage.
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Saban has already shown that he thrives on competition and the spotlight. If the right combination of money, challenge, and autonomy presented itself, whether from NC State or another unexpected suitor, we may see the GOAT pacing the sidelines again.
