Smart dismisses Saban comeback rumors.
Georgia HC Kirby Smart Sends Clear Message on Nick Saban Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Recent speculation that Nick Saban might return to coaching surfaced Monday, when former Tide quarterback and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy told listeners he’d heard from a “very much in‑the‑know person” who believes Saban isn’t done coaching.
The chatter sparked debate at SEC Media Days and Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin fanned the flames. “I wouldn’t be surprised. I kind of thought it would happen after one year,” Kiffin said, praising Saban’s sharpness and impact on players’ lives.
On Tuesday, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, one of Saban’s former assistants, addressed the rumors with characteristic wit and clarity.
“Yeah, I called and offered him Muschamp’s job but he was overqualified, so he wasn’t interested,” Smart joked.
“No, I heard all the scuttlebutt and everything about it. I almost laughed. It was like somebody needed something interesting to talk about yesterday, so they chose to go to Coach Saban to do it. The game is better with him involved, and he is involved. He is passionate about it," he continued
"He and I still talk and share ideas from time to time about defensive philosophies and the way to do things, and he’s still watching tape and very, very involved in football. He loves it. His brilliance, as brilliant as he is in many ways, is around football. It’s around scheming," he added.
Smart, funnily points out that even if Saban desired to return, his wife Terry, will have the final say.
"He’s still passionate about that. But make no mistake about it. The boss at home is going to make that call for him, not him”. Smart’s remarks all but buried the comeback talk, leaving Saban on his couch—and firmly in retirement." Smart said.
ESPN’s Chris Low broke the news of Nick Saban’s retirement…does he think there’s a chance he returns to coaching? pic.twitter.com/7Bmizsf3yj
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) July 14, 2025
Nick Saban cemented his legendary status in college football history with a 292‑71‑1 record, seven national championships and 11 SEC titles over a 28‑year career, including 17 seasons at Alabama.
He stepped away from the sidelines in January 2024, trading whistles for the “College GameDay” desk and Florida’s fairways. At 73, Saban appeared content in retirement, enjoying golf, family time and a lucrative media role, leaving little appetite for a return to the grind of X’s and O’s.
Related: Lane Kiffin Speaks Out on Rivals Steve Sarkisian and Kirby Smart
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
