Nick Saban is not returning to coaching any time soon.
The Penn State football job is available now that the Nittany Lions have fired James Franklin. Since Penn State is a pretty prestigious football program, they will be looking for an accomplished head coach who they think can help them win a national championship. Saban’s name came up as a consideration since he’s no longer coaching, but his wife Terry says that’s not happening.
On ESPN “College GameDay” Saturday morning, Pat McAfee asked if Saban would return to coaching if Penn State offered him $50 million. Saban’s longtime wife Terry answered that question.
“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 our baby coaches, like Kirby (Smart) and Lane (Kiffin),” Terry said.
“I haven’t heard a number yet,” Terry added.
Penn State has A LOT of funds..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 18, 2025
Let's ask Miss Terry…
If Penn State offers Coach Saban $50M a year is he going to coach at Happy Valley..
It sounds like that's not enough money 😂😂#CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/PKBR2kd0si
Ms. Terry’s comment that she hasn’t heard a number yet suggests Nick hasn’t shared what price it would take to get him back into coaching. That implies Nick is happy in retirement, working at ESPN for the second year in a row.
Nick, 73, coached Alabama from 2007-2023. He won six national championships with the Crimson Tide before deciding to step away. He likely has little motivation to come back to coaching, especially when all the factors that made him retire in the first place still exist. That probably makes Ms. Terry quite happy.
