Paul Finebaum Predicts Where Nick Saban Could Coach if He Comes Back originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The SEC Media Days began with a major headline: Could legendary Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban return to coaching?
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Saban stepped down after the 2023 season, completing 17 years at Alabama. His tenure resulted in six national championships, establishing one of the greatest dynasties in college football history.
Saban then accepted a role as an analyst for ESPN’s flagship college football show, “College GameDay.”
On “The Paul Finebaum Show,” the SEC Network analyst discussed whether he believes the legendary coach will return to the sidelines.
ESPN analyst and former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
“I think it’s impossible to believe he will come back to college football,” Finebaum said. “Nick Saban walked away two years ago for a specific reason. He had had enough of it. I think if Saban ever returned to working in sports, it would be to the NFL. That could happen; I don’t think it will. I think mostly this was a non-starter [on Monday]. “
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Finebaum stated that when someone is 74 years old and has earned as much money as Saban has, his desire to work like he once did is significantly diminished. Finebaum concluded by expressing that he doesn’t believe it will happen.
Now the question is, if Saban doesn’t return to coaching, how long will he remain on TV? Finebaum previously stated, “Television is a weird idea. It’s a little bit like a new car, where you drive off the lot and you feel great, then a year later it doesn’t look so new anymore. I don’t think that’s a big deal for him. But, I think after a while television wears everyone down. I think it will get to him as well.”
Finebaum highlighted that Nick Saban spent over an hour on the phone with each SEC head coach before the season began, demonstrating his dedication to being well-prepared. Finebaum noted that this commitment reflects Saban’s passion for his new role. He also recognized Saban’s talent for being on television.
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It seems that if Saban chooses not to return to college football, he might consider a position as an NFL coach. He had a record of 15-17 during his two seasons as head coach of the Miami Dolphins before moving on to the Alabama job. However, Finebaum believes Saban is unlikely to return to coaching altogether.
Related: Paul Finebaum Predicts Whether Auburn Can Overtake Alabama After Nick Saban’s Retirement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
