Could Nick Saban really come out of retirement? According to former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, someone “very much in the know” believes it’s possible.
Speaking on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, he hinted that a return to the sidelines may not be out of the question for college football’s greatest coach.
Programs With the Power To Bring Nick Saban Back to the Sidelines
Saban, who retired in January 2024 after 17 seasons at Alabama and 28 total years in college coaching, has remained close to the game through his analyst role with ESPN. He was recently elected to the College Football Hall of Fame and had Alabama’s field named in his honor, but fans and insiders continue to wonder if his storybook ending is truly final.
In a recent report, Greg McElroy said a person ‘in the know’ believes Saban will return to coaching:
REPORT: Greg McElroy said a person ‘in the know’ believes Nick Saban will return to coaching👀
“If it wasn’t someone notable, I would never say a word.”
(via @macandcube)https://t.co/bWMfklaAqJ pic.twitter.com/A4JiDqS9mN
— On3 (@On3sports) July 14, 2025
Here are five elite programs that could realistically lure Saban back into the coaching spotlight:
1. Texas A&M
Texas A&M has the resources, recruiting base, and NIL infrastructure to tempt any coach, even Saban. After underwhelming results despite massive NIL investments, the Aggies could be desperate enough to make Saban a Godfather-level offer. Given the program’s SEC status and deep-pocketed boosters, A&M could be a surprising but plausible landing spot if the stars align.
2. Texas
If Steve Sarkisian were to falter, especially in the Longhorns’ early SEC years, Texas could come calling. The program has always dreamed of reclaiming national dominance, and Saban, who once came close to taking the Texas job in 2013, still holds an aura that few can match. With unlimited resources and a massive fanbase, Texas has the kind of pull that could get Saban thinking.
3. Ohio State
With Ryan Day feeling increased pressure after recent losses to Michigan and playoff shortcomings, Ohio State could look for a seismic change. Saban, an Ohio native, has ties to the Midwest and deep respect for the Big Ten. If the Buckeyes came calling, offering complete control and national championship potential, the legacy angle alone might be enough to entice him.
4. USC
The West Coast’s sleeping giant. If Lincoln Riley can’t elevate USC to national-contender status soon, boosters may grow impatient. Saban taking over in Los Angeles would electrify the sport and bring instant credibility. The move would also expand his legacy, proving he could win outside the South and Big Ten footprints.
5. Alabama (Return Scenario)
Let’s not rule out the wildest possibility: a return to Tuscaloosa. If Alabama falters under Kalen DeBoer or faces a crisis, the program might beg its greatest leader to restore order. It would be unprecedented, but so was his reign.
WATCH: Legendary Coach Nick Saban Caught Riding New Hot Wheels in Daughter’s Viral Post
While it remains just speculation, Saban’s return would be the biggest story in college football history. And with top-tier programs willing to move heaven and earth to land a winner, don’t count out the possibility just yet.
