On a lively Monday morning segment of “College GameDay,” Greg McElroy stirred the pot in the college football landscape with an intriguing comment regarding coaching legend Nick Saban. McElroy, a former player under Saban at Alabama, dropped a bombshell that has fans and analysts buzzing: a well-informed source suggests that Saban may not be done coaching just yet.
During his discussion on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning” at SEC Media Days in Atlanta, the analyst stated, “This is a little bit out of left field, but the question was asked of me… a very much in-the-know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around and just really, really admire. They seem to think Nick Saban’s not done coaching.” McElroy expressed his initial skepticism to the claim, but he seemed convinced by the source’s adamancy that a return to the sidelines for Saban could indeed be on the horizon.
This revelation has ignited a firestorm of discussion among college football aficionados about where Saban might land if he decides to step back into coaching. To fuel the speculation, let’s take a look at three potential destinations that could make sense for the storied coach.
- LSU
Saban’s legacy at LSU is one for the ages, notably highlighted by his first national championship win there. The thought of how different the landscape of college football might have been had he chosen to stay at LSU instead of venturing to the NFL with the Miami Dolphins is intriguing, to say the least. While he may not be eyeing Brian Kelly’s position outright, the pressure could mount on Kelly if the Tigers struggle to secure SEC championships or a playoff berth in the coming years. This might just crack open the door for a nostalgic return to Baton Rouge. - Michigan State
Saban’s roots run deep at Michigan State, where he once brought promise to the program before embarking on his journey to greater glory at LSU. The Spartans have been on a roller coaster since Mark Dantonio’s retirement, struggling to regain their preeminence in the Big Ten. However, the foundation is there for a competitive resurgence, and it would certainly make waves to see Saban back in the mix at a school where he previously made his mark. - Wisconsin
Wisconsin had high hopes when they hired Luke Fickell from Cincinnati, but the results have been less than stellar since his arrival. For much of the 2010s, the Badgers were known as a powerhouse, consistently vying for Big Ten titles and Rose Bowl appearances. Should Fickell’s struggles continue, it wouldn’t take long for chatter about Saban’s return to become a real discussion point among fans and analysts, imagining what the iconic coach could do to revitalize the program.
As the college football community continues to contemplate the implications of McElroy’s comments, one thing is clear: the possibility of Nick Saban returning to coaching is generating plenty of excitement and curiosity. Whether it’s LSU, Michigan State, Wisconsin, or another program, the thought of Saban back on the sidelines is certain to capture the imagination of fans and players alike.
