Nick Saban would likely have his pick of jobs at top college programs if he decided he wanted to coach again, but one of his most successful former assistants does not see that happening.
The idea of Saban returning to the sideline was raised this week by former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, who said he spoke with a “very-much-in-the-know person” who is convinced Saban wants to coach again.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who was an assistant under Saban at Alabama for nine years, was asked about that on Tuesday. Smart confidently said “that’s not happening.”
“That’s not happening. I don’t think Nick’s coming back. I think he’s too happy where he is,” Smart said, via Seth Emerson of The Athletic. “I have talked to Nick pretty regularly and I just don’t see it. It’s one of those things that if he wanted to, he’d be unbelievable at it.”
Smart also mocked the media for incorrectly reporting that Will Muschamp was leaving his position on Georgia’s staff. Smart said he was going to offer Muschamp’s job to Saban but that the seven-time national champion is “overqualified.”
Smart then joked that Saban’s wife, Terry, will ultimately decide whether Nick can coach again.
Kirby Smart on possibility of Nick Saban returning to coach: "I called & offered him (Will) Muschamp's (analyst) job, but he was overqualified." Smart said the decision will be made by "the boss (Miss Terry) at home will make that call for him, not him"
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 15, 2025
Saban is 73 and seems to genuinely enjoy his gig with ESPN’s “College GameDay.” There is no reason to believe he wants to return to the demands of coaching, otherwise he never would have left following the 2023 season.
If Saban were to return to the SEC, the road to winning the conference and reaching the College Football Playoff would get tougher for Smart and everyone else. Fortunately for them, it is highly unlikely to happen.
