Colin Cowherd Predicts Nick Saban Could Join $5.15 Billion Franchise Despite Kristen Saban’s Denial

Colin Cowherd Predicts Nick Saban Could Join $5.15 Billion Franchise Despite Kristen Saban’s Denial originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Nick Saban comeback chatter just won’t go away, and Colin Cowherd is keeping it alive.

Despite Saban’s daughter, Kristen Saban, publicly shutting down speculation that her father is returning to coaching, Cowherd isn’t backing off. On a recent episode of his podcast, the Fox Sports host dove back into the Saban rumor mill, this time shifting the spotlight to the NFL and naming a new potential landing spot: the Cleveland Browns.

Cowherd believes Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who has never been shy about spending big to try and win, could throw a massive offer at Saban. The Browns, valued at $5.15 billion by Forbes, could see a huge increase in visibility and engagement with the arrival of a legend like Saban.

Cowherd even floated a number — five years, $75 million — as the kind of deal that could lure the legendary coach off the golf course, away from the ESPN college football broadcasts and back onto the sidelines.

This latest speculation stems from a recent bombshell rumor dropped by former Alabama quarterback and analyst Greg McElroy. McElroy suggested there’s real buzz behind the scenes that Saban might not be done with coaching after all, hinting at a possible return.

That immediately stirred up reactions across the football world, with Kristen Saban quickly responding on social media to say her father is “not coming back.”

Still, Cowherd seems convinced the right offer, and the right NFL team, could tempt Saban back into the game. Earlier this year, he floated the idea of Saban coaching the Dallas Cowboys. Now, he views Cleveland, with its passionate fan base and big-budget owner, as a more realistic match.

This wouldn't be Saban's first foray into coaching in the NFL. He served as the defensive coordinator of the Browns under head coach Bill Belichick from 1991-94. After guiding the LSU Tigers to a national championship in 2003, he became the head coach of the Miami Dolphins for two seasons in 2006 and 2007. He guided the AFC East squad to a 15-17 record.

After the 2007 season, Alabama hired him to be their coach to replace Mike Shula and the rest, and the six national championships that would follow, are history.

For now, it’s all speculation, but if Saban ever decides to return, there’s no doubt the NFL would welcome him with open arms and an open checkbook.

Related: Drama Erupts Over Alabama-Georgia Tickets Involving Nick Saban’s Daughter

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.