Alabama’s DeBoer on Speculated Saban Return: ‘He’s Earned the Right’
Nick Saban, despite his retirement from coaching Alabama football and current role as an ESPN analyst, dominated headlines at SEC Media Days. The speculation ignited when former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy, on his WJOX radio show, relayed an anonymous source’s claim that Saban might return to coaching. This sparked a frenzy, exceeding even McElroy’s expectations.
Alabama fans eagerly awaited Wednesday’s SEC Media Days to hear from Saban’s successor, Kalen DeBoer, on the matter. When questioned about a potential Saban comeback, DeBoer responded with measured respect: “I mean, he’s one of the greatest to ever do it, and so he’s earned the right to do what he wants. I think the best thing about Coach Saban now is that he’s still involved in the game. He’s growing the game, he brings passion to it.”
Saban’s retirement from Alabama came in January 2024. He swiftly transitioned to a prominent position on ESPN’s College GameDay pregame show, even earning an Emmy for his contributions during the 2024 season.
DeBoer expressed his enjoyment of watching Saban on GameDay and their occasional in-person encounters. “He still has that love for the game,” DeBoer observed. “I think that, my sense is that he’s enjoying doing it in the capacity he’s doing it right now, but I know everyone that’s close to him from the fan base standpoint, can’t help but want him to be happy doing whatever he wants to do.”
McElroy, while expressing skepticism about his source’s certainty regarding Saban’s return, nonetheless reported the news on Monday. “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 is not done coaching,” McElroy stated. “He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again.”
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, a former Saban offensive coordinator at Alabama, indicated that a Saban return wouldn’t surprise him. Georgia’s Kirby Smart, another ex-Saban assistant, dismissed the rumors as “scuttlebutt,” suggesting they merely served to fill the media void at SEC Media Days. The speculation surrounding Saban’s potential return continues to captivate the college football world, highlighting his enduring legacy and influence on the game. DeBoer’s measured response reflects both respect for his predecessor and a focus on his own leadership of the Crimson Tide. The future remains uncertain, but the buzz surrounding Saban’s potential return is undeniable.
