Talking about the retired football coaching legend..
With the talk being louder about a potential Nick Saban return to the sidelines, LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly didn’t hold back when asked about the legendary coach possibly making a comeback. While some in the college football world remain skeptical, Kelly stood out with a message of admiration and hope.
"If Nick Saban returns to coaching, college football wins,” Kelly said. “He’s unmatched when it comes to building teams and developing talent. Having him back would be a huge positive for the game.”
Where do Comments Come From?
Kelly’s comments come after Greg McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback and now a college football analyst, mentioned that there may still be some fire behind the smoke. According to McElroy, a trusted source he knows well believes Saban hasn’t completely closed the book on coaching.
MORE: College football insider insists legendary coach is coming back someday
“He’s someone I’ve spent time with and really respect,” McElroy explained. “He seems convinced Saban’s not done. That was enough to get my attention.”
However, not everyone is buying into the possibility of a comeback. Paul Finebaum, longtime SEC analyst and a familiar face in college football media, dismissed the rumors without hesitation during an appearance on “McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning.”
When asked if he saw Saban returning, Finebaum replied with a firm, “No.” He noted that Saban seems at peace with his new lifestyle, enjoying his time in Florida, playing plenty of golf, and making good money as a contributor for ESPN’s College GameDay.
Finebaum pointed out that Saban left one of the best jobs in the sport, and it's hard to imagine him diving back into the grind that comes with leading a major program.
Even so, Kelly’s words highlight just how much influence Saban still holds. Though he stepped away from the game in January 2024, his legacy remains fresh. Over his career, Saban secured seven national championships and turned Alabama into a consistent title contender.
Whether or not the rumors turn into reality, one thing is for sure: many coaches like Brian Kelly still recognize the major impact Nick Saban had and could still have if he ever chose to return.
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Category: General Sports
