Believe it or not, there will come a day when Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban retires.
In the back of everybody’s mind is the question of who will be Saban’s replacement?
Is it someone currently on the staff? Is it a big-time coach with Alabama roots? Is it a big-time coach with no Alabama roots?
Well, ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum gave his opinion and it sure is an interesting one.
Finebaum believes that Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning is a potential replacement for Saban.
Of course, Lanning has been in the news lately thanks to epic pregame speech prior to the Ducks game against Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes.
“They’re fighting for clicks. We’re playing for wins”
Dan Lanning’s pregame speech for Oregon was personal.pic.twitter.com/uzGjjFUEey
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 23, 2023
Not to be lost in all of the hype is the fact that Lanning is damn good coach. He’s only 37 years old and is doing a phenomenal job at Oregon.
He’s also a true grinder and has climbed the latter from the bottom to the top.
He was a Graduate Assistant under Saban at Alabama in 2015 and had a very successful stint as an assistant under Kirby Smart at Georgia.
His resume is outstanding and again, he’s only 37 years old!
“Dan Lanning, both with his coaching on the field and his comments at halftime and after the game, he has now emerged as one of the top coaches in the country,” Finebaum said. “And the former Saban and Kirby Smart assistant may be a successor at Alabama one day.”
Paul Finebaum said Oregon's Dan Lanning "has now emerged as one of the top coaches in the country. And the former Saban and Kirby Smart assistant, maybe a successor at Alabama some day." That led to a "We didn't say it, Paul Finebaum said it" reaction from Randy Scott. pic.twitter.com/OTRKIK8gM9
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 24, 2023
While some may consider it premature to contemplate Saban’s eventual departure, Finebaum’s endorsement of Lanning underscores the growing reputation of the young hot-shot coach.
Lanning has rapidly ascended the coaching ranks, and his star continues to rise as he proves his worth on the sidelines.
If you’re an Alabama fan, would you want Lanning to replace Saban?
If not, who would be your top choice?