Speculation Swirls Around Nick Saban’s Potential Return as Greg McElroy Reveals Possible Comeback During WJOX Birmingham Radio Show
During his Monday appearance on WJOX in Birmingham, former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy sent shockwaves through the college football world with one simple revelation—Nick Saban might not be done with the game. Though the legendary coach retired earlier this year after a storied run at Alabama, McElroy’s comments hinted at the possibility that Saban’s days of influencing football may not be entirely behind him.
McElroy, who led Alabama to a national championship under Saban in 2009 and now serves as a prominent voice in college football media, didn’t declare Saban’s return as a certainty. But he made it clear that the whispers he’s heard are more than idle speculation. That alone was enough to ignite a wave of conversation across the college football landscape.
“Let me just say this,” McElroy said during the radio segment. “I’ve heard from people I trust that Coach Saban has had serious conversations about possibly returning to the game in some capacity. It’s not necessarily as a head coach, but he’s not done being involved.”
These words, vague yet powerful, have sparked widespread debate. What does “involved” mean? Could Saban be eyeing a front-office role? A return to the NFL in some capacity? A return to television? Or is a college program preparing to make an unprecedented offer?
Nick Saban’s retirement left an enormous void in college football. Over 17 seasons with the Crimson Tide, he led Alabama to six national championships, 11 SEC titles, and built a dynasty unlike anything the sport had seen since the days of Bear Bryant. His presence on the sideline was synonymous with excellence, discipline, and relentless competitiveness.
Even after stepping away, Saban’s influence remains. His protégés now lead programs all over the country—Kirby Smart at Georgia, Steve Sarkisian at Texas, Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, and others. His fingerprints are everywhere, and his departure from the sidelines didn’t erase his impact. Still, hearing that he might want back in adds a layer of intrigue the sport hasn’t felt since Urban Meyer’s multiple returns.
If Saban were to re-enter the football world, the question becomes: In what capacity?
There’s precedent for legendary coaches taking on leadership positions without stepping onto the field. Tom Coughlin did it with the Jaguars, and Bill Parcells did it with the Dolphins. Saban could be lured by the opportunity to architect a roster, shape a program from above, or even advise in talent evaluation. His expertise in identifying and developing talent could be valuable to both college and NFL teams.
This is perhaps the most likely scenario. Saban could serve as a consultant for a college program or NFL franchise. It would allow him to stay close to the game without the grueling day-to-day responsibilities of head coaching. Programs in the SEC, Big Ten, and even powerhouse high schools in Alabama or Florida would leap at the opportunity to bring Saban into the fold, even in a limited role.
Saban has already entered the television world, joining ESPN’s “College GameDay” crew. But what if he wanted more than just the analyst’s chair? Could he take on a role where he helps shape how the sport is talked about, maybe even influencing policy or governance in the ever-changing NCAA? A figure with Saban’s cachet could become a de facto “czar” of college football, something many fans and analysts have advocated for over the years.
Unlikely, but not impossible. Saban has said he was at peace with his decision to step down, but he’s also famously intense and hyper-focused. If the right opportunity came up—say, a historic program with an elite roster and no direction—could he be tempted? Perhaps not as a head coach, but what about in a “CEO” role with a younger staff running the day-to-day? That could be a formula that works.
Since Saban’s retirement, Alabama has transitioned to new leadership under Kalen DeBoer. The former Washington head coach inherits a team with high expectations and a fanbase used to dominance. DeBoer’s success will likely shape how soon or how often Saban is called upon for advice.
Meanwhile, the SEC is in the middle of a broader shift. Texas and Oklahoma join the conference in 2025, further intensifying competition. Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs have assumed the role of top dog for now, but everyone knows the sport is cyclical. If the right team falters, if a top job opens suddenly, or if a program wants to stabilize under a legendary figure—it’s hard not to see how Saban might be pulled back in.
Greg McElroy isn’t just another media personality speculating from a distance. He’s someone who played under Saban, maintains close ties with Alabama’s program, and is deeply embedded in the college football ecosystem. When he says he’s “heard from people he trusts,” the sports world listens.
His comments weren’t presented as a rumor mill churn, but as informed musings from someone close to the source. That nuance matters. Saban himself has said he misses aspects of coaching and being around players, even though he enjoys retirement. It wouldn’t take much to convince fans—or even Saban himself—that he has more to give.
Predictably, social media exploded following McElroy’s comments. Alabama fans, still adjusting to life post-Saban, lit up message boards and forums. Some hoped Saban might return in a formal capacity at Bama, helping DeBoer navigate tough waters. Others wondered if he could take on a league-wide leadership role in an era defined by NIL, the transfer portal, and chaotic conference realignment.
Critics argued this might be a media stunt or a passing comment being blown out of proportion. But in the college football world, even a whisper from the right voice is enough to turn heads—and McElroy’s voice carries real credibility.
Whether or not Nick Saban returns to the sport in a meaningful way, his legacy remains one of the most influential in football history. What’s remarkable is that he may not be finished shaping the game.
Even in retirement, he commands the kind of respect that few coaches in any sport achieve. His return—whether to a sideline, a front office, a broadcast booth, or a league leadership role—wouldn’t just be a personal move. It would be a seismic shift.
For now, we wait. But if McElroy is right—and if Saban still feels the pull of competition, influence, or legacy enhancement—then college football might not be done with Nick Saban just yet.
And more importantly, Nick Saban might not be done with college football either.
