Despite Nick Saban’s retirement two years ago, speculation continues to swirl, linking the legendary coach to every vacant college football head coaching job, particularly in this bustling hiring season.
However, the NCAA record-holding, seven-time national champion was unequivocal when asked about a potential return to the sidelines.
“No way,” Saban said on The Pat McAfee Show.
During the broadcast, McAfee noted the presence of super-agent Jimmy Sexton nearby, prompting Saban to jest about keeping him away from his wife, Miss Terry, to avoid planting any coaching comeback ideas.
“I wanna stay retired, and I do not want him anywhere near Miss Terry, because when she hears some of these numbers, she gets interested, and I ain’t interested,” Saban said.
Despite Saban’s firm stance on retirement, rumors persist that a lucrative offer might tempt him back to coaching. This speculation was fueled earlier this year by a viral claim from one of his former players.
In July, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy stirred the pot, stating that a reliable source was “adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again.”
Saban quickly addressed these rumors in a Fox News interview, clarifying that he knew of no scenario that would draw him back to coaching and that he was content enjoying family time. Having retired from Alabama with an unparalleled legacy, including a record-setting seven national titles, Saban has since served as an advisor for the Crimson Tide and taken on a prominent role as an ESPN College GameDay analyst.
When the topic of a coaching return surfaced again on the show, Miss Terry firmly dismissed the idea, even if offered an astronomical $50 million.
“I have no doubt, if Nick wanted to go back to coaching, he could win his eighth national championship, but we’re having too much fun, and we wouldn’t want to take that opportunity away from all of our baby coaches like Kirby and Lane,” she said.
While the idea of Saban returning to college football is intriguing, fans can probably put it to rest. Saban seems to be enjoying retirement with no interest in getting back on the sidelines.
