Nick Saban has settled into his role as a prominent college football commentator, yet rumors persist about a potential comeback to the head coaching ranks. The latest buzz surrounds the LSU Tigers, who have parted ways with Brian Kelly after a disappointing stretch.
Saban’s legacy at LSU remains strong from his successful five-season run starting in 2000 and ending in 2004. While his legendary dominance at Alabama often overshadows that period, LSU supporters continue to hold him in high regard for the foundation he built.
Could Saban entertain an offer to return to Baton Rouge? The odds appear slim, but the idea isn’t entirely out of the question for a program seeking a marquee hire.
One expert has floated Saban’s name as an audacious possibility amid the vacancy.
Chris Hummer of CBS Sports highlighted Saban as a bold, unconventional choice for the position.
“Look, I did say crazy. It was only earlier this week when Saban said, ‘I want to stay retired.’ But if there was a non-Alabama job that could tempt Saban, it’d be LSU, the place he won his first national championship,” Hummer wrote. “Would he take the job if offered? Probably not. But Woodward’s history tells you he’ll at least ask.”
Reaching out to a coach of Saban’s stature makes sense for any elite program. LSU’s administration would be remiss not to explore his availability, even if rejection seems inevitable.
Realistically, no one anticipates Saban abandoning retirement for the Tigers. Still, LSU stands out as one of the few programs with enough historical pull to spark even a fleeting consideration.
Hummer also pointed to several more plausible candidates, including Ole Miss lead man Lane Kiffin, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, ex-Penn State leader James Franklin, and Tulane’s Jon Sumrall.
After Brian Kelly’s underwhelming era, LSU faces pressure to secure a transformative leader. Landing Saban would represent an ultimate triumph, though supporters recognize it’s a long shot worth daydreaming about.
Anticipate a flurry of reports and guesses from Baton Rouge as the search intensifies in the coming weeks.
