Smart shared his opinion on the rumors of Nick Saban returning to college football.
Kirby Smart Delivers Clear Verdict of Nick Saban’s Return Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Rumors have been swirling all offseason about a potential comeback for legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban. But according to Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, fans shouldn’t hold their breath.
“Nah, I don't believe it will happen,” Smart said during an interview with 680 The Fan, addressing the speculation that Saban could return to coaching just months after retiring. "But I certainly know he would be good for the game. I know he loves being with his grandkids. He's not gonna get off that couch without Miss Terry letting him. That's one of those hard things — he's got to bypass her first."
The rumor mill kicked into high gear after former Alabama quarterback and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy hinted on his show that Saban might not be finished with football. The comments sparked a wave of reactions across the college football landscape, including from LSU’s Brian Kelly and ESPN’s Paul Finebaum.
Both downplayed the likelihood of a return, with Finebaum bluntly saying, “No,” before refuting the idea when asked if he believed Saban could return to college football.
Kirby Smart to @680TheFan on possible Nick Saban return to coaching: "Nah, I don't believe it will happen. But I certainly know he would be good for the game. I know he loves being with his grandkids. He's not gonna get off that couch without Miss Terry letting him. That's one of…
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) July 15, 2025
Smart, who coached under Saban for over a decade before building his own dynasty at Georgia, has a unique perspective on the subject. Their relationship has always blended respect and fierce competition.
Since leaving Alabama to take the Georgia job in 2016, Smart has managed to step out of Saban’s shadow, winning back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and finally beating his mentor in the 2022 national title game.
Despite their rivalry, Smart knows better than most what makes Saban tick. Still, he’s not buying into the comeback hype. “That’s not happening. I don’t think Nick’s coming back. I think he’s too happy where he is,” Smart said. “I have talked to Nick pretty regularly and I just don’t see it. It’s one of those things that if he wanted to, he’d be unbelievable at it.”
For now, Saban seems content in his role as a studio analyst at ESPN, lending his insights to college football coverage while enjoying retirement life with his wife, Miss Terry.
As for Kirby, he’s locked in on chasing another SEC crown. And if Saban does shock the world and return? Well, Kirby’s Bulldogs will be ready.
Related: Paul Finebaum Makes Stance Clear on Nick Saban’s Rumored College Football Return
Related: Brian Kelly Gives Honest Reaction to Reports of Nick Saban Returning To College Football
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
