Nick Saban shocked the world by retiring before the 2024 season. Heralded as one of the greatest coaches in the entire sports world but especially college football, Saban's absence left a glaring hole in the sport that has not really been filled. He was replaced at Alabama by Kalen DeBoer.
Saban is 73 years old, which would make him one of the oldest coaches in the country. According to college football insider Greg McElroy, that might not stop him. The insider spoke to a notable source around Saban who firmly believes that his retirement isn't going to last.
McElroy said via CBS Sports, "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. He's pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again."
Anonymous sources are harder to trust, because there's no name attached to a report, and they've been off before. But McElroy claims he wouldn't even comment on it if the source wasn't incredibly legitimate. "If it wasn't someone notable, I would never say a word. He is of firm belief that Nick Saban will coach in college football again," he said.
It's important to note that as of now, there's no indication that Saban is headed back to the college ranks or where he might end up. DeBoer signed an eight-year deal worth $87 million, so it's hard to envision him replacing his successor and rejoining the Crimson Tide if the source proves to be accurate.