It looks like ESPN has landed a big name to step into the shoes of Lee Corso: none other than legendary head coach Nick Saban. The man who has redefined college football with his remarkable run at both LSU and Alabama—netting an impressive seven national championships—has officially retired after the conclusion of the 2023 season. Now, Saban is set to join ESPN’s College GameDay, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the iconic pregame show as the 2024 season kicks off.
At 73, Saban quickly made a strong impression on College GameDay, showing he can not only offer insightful analysis but also connect well with fellow panelists Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and of course, the beloved Lee Corso. His transition to the broadcast booth seems seamless, with a natural rapport shining through during discussions.
However, there’s already buzz swirling about the possibility that Saban might not be done with coaching just yet. Sources close to the situation suggest he could be eyeing a return to the sidelines. Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy weighed in on the topic, sharing that he has heard from a well-informed contact who believes Saban might leave the show to coach again. McElroy revealed this news during his appearance at SEC Media Days, sparking curiosity and speculation among fans and analysts alike.
“It’s a bit of a surprising take, but someone very knowledgeable and credible in our community seems to think Saban isn’t finished coaching yet,” McElroy explained. “If it weren’t for their credibility, I wouldn’t be bringing it up at all.”
Contrastingly, ESPN’s own Paul Finebaum doesn’t seem to share this sentiment. When pressed about the rumors suggesting a coaching comeback for Saban, Finebaum dismissed them outright, saying simply, “No.”
While returning to coaching would certainly be a jaw-dropper given Saban’s age and his illustrious career, let’s remember the rollercoaster nature of the college football landscape. In a world where surprises are the norm, it’s safe to say that anything can happen. So while we welcome Saban to the analyst role with enthusiasm, we also keep our ears to the ground, because in college football, the future can be as unpredictable as a last-second Hail Mary.
