Former Alabama quarterback, college football analyst shares Nick Saban coaching rumor
Yes, even despite Saban's current roles that keep the former head coach around the sport such as being an analyst on ESPN's "College GameDay," many across college football have wondered if he would ever return to the sidelines.
Well, on Monday morning, former Alabama starting quarterback Greg McElroy shared on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning that he has heard from a "very much in the know person" that Saban could potentially consider returning to coaching in the future.
"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 said during a segment that also featured ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum. "He's pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again."
McElroy also added that "if it wasn't someone notable, I'd never say a word."
According to On3's Brett McMurphy as well, McElroy also later stated that "I don't think he's coming back," and that "I don't buy that" when talking about Saban potentially missing competition and considering a comeback.
The head coach at Alabama for 17 seasons from 2007-23, Saban won six national championships with the Crimson Tide before announcing his retirement in Jan. 2024.
Saban is not expected to be at 2025 SEC football media days this week in Atlanta, but this is likely now a talking point to watch for as Alabama takes center stage this upcoming Wednesday.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
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Nick Saban Predicted to Return to Coaching at Alabama's Biggest Rival
Nick Saban Predicted to Return to Coaching at Alabama's Biggest Rival originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy dropped a bombshell at SEC Media Days on Monday, hinting Nick Saban might want to return to coaching. That leads everyone to wonder where the legendary leader's road would lead him. On3 analyst Andy Staples believes it might be the Auburn Tigers. Advertisement "I don't think it's that difficult to find a couple of places that he would really enjoy. But if I finish the sentence, this media days will end right here," ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum said. "I think I know this school. I've already denied this story, but I think I know the school where he could be going." Staples and his co-host, Ari Wasserman, read between the lines of Finebaum's comments on "Andy & Ari On3." ESPN analyst Nick Saban© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images "They're obviously talking about Auburn, aren't they?" Staples said. "They're implying Auburn. Auburn, they're mad at Hugh Freeze for playing too much golf, so they want Nick Saban to stop playing golf and come back. ... I think he could win there. I think they'd rally together to give him what he needed to win." Advertisement Staples' co-host, Ari Wasserman, pushed back, saying, "I don't buy (that). I think I would buy, like, West Virginia or Toledo before I would buy that." Staples believes Saban would demand a certain level of infrastructure — one that Auburn could provide — in order to return to the sidelines. Wasserman made another strong point against Saban joining his former bitter rivals. "Alabama fans would rightfully hate him, right? Like, why would you do that?" Wasserman said. "It makes no sense." This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
