David Pollack Reacts as Nick Saban Breaks Silence on Comeback Rumors

Pollack reacts to interesting Saban comments.

David Pollack Reacts as Nick Saban Breaks Silence on Comeback Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Alabama Crimson Tide icon Nick Saban formally announced his retirement from coaching on Jan. 10, 2024, closing a chapter that saw him transform the program into a perennial national power and foster a coaching tree that stretches across the sport.

Yet, less than 18 months later, speculation about a possible return have already begun to swirl.

During SEC Media Days in mid-July, former Alabama quarterback and ESPN commentator Greg McElroy cited a "very much in the know" source who believed the 73‑year‑old legend might still crave the roar of the crowd.

That buzz reached a new peak on Friday, when Saban appeared on "Fox & Friends" to address the chatter directly, stating, "I never really ever had a thought of getting back into coaching until two days ago. Miss Terry said I had to run the sweeper in the entire downstairs. So while I was running the sweeper, the thought occurred to me, you know, when you were coaching, you had a heck of a lot better job than this."

While Saban’s remark was intended as light‑hearted banter, it did little to quell the rumor mill.

Among the first public reactions was that of David Pollack, who simply reacted with, "🤔."

Pollack, an All‑SEC linebacker at Georgia, was a first‑round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and a two‑time Consensus All‑American, finishing his collegiate career with 36 sacks, third in NCAA history.

After a brief NFL stint cut short by injury, he transitioned into media, serving as an ESPN college football analyst from 2011 through 2023 on shows such as "College GameDay" and the "See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack" podcast.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide college football coach and ESPN analyst Nick Saban. © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Saban’s career achievements set a bar few can approach.

His tenure at Alabama saw the Tide spend 15 consecutive seasons ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, win six national titles and create a dynastic dominance that reshaped recruiting and strategy across the sport.

As a result, any rumor of his potential return to coaching instantly draws attention from fans and colleagues alike.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.

Category: General Sports