Greg McElroy chose the perfect time to float the rumor about Nick Saban potentially returning to coach because it’s been top of mind for everyone at SEC Media Days, and that’s led to some absolute gold. Especially considering the number of coaches in the conference who were once on Saban’s staff at Alabama as an assistant coach.
Kirby Smart was the latest Saban protégé to chime in on the topic when he spoke at SEC Media Days on Tuesday. Smart joked about making Saban an offer and maybe jokingly or maybe astutely pointed out that the decision to return to the sidelines may not be the greatest coach of all time’s to make.
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
Smart knows Miss Terry stands between Nick Saban and the sidelines
Smart’s joke was two-fold because rumors have also recently circulated about Will Muschamp’s role with the Bulldogs. Muschamp was mistakenly left off the Georgia media guide ahead of SEC Media Days, leading many to question whether he was still with the program as a defensive analyst. Smart has since cleared up the confusion and confirmed that the former head coach of Florida and South Carolina is continuing his tenure in Athens.
Of course, Saban wouldn’t return to be an analyst at Georgia. It’s unlikely that he’d return at all, even to take over in Tuscaloosa again, not just because of Miss Terry either. Saban stepped away from coaching for a reason, and none of the changes in the sport, including the recent House vs. NCAA settlement that went into effect this summer, have changed things drastically enough to expect the 73-year-old to restart his career.
For all of his jokes, Kirby Smart doesn’t expect Saban to return either.
Kirby Smart to @680TheFan on possible Nick Saban return to coaching: "Nah, I don't believe it will happen. But I certainly know he would be good for the game. I know he loves being with his grandkids. He's not gonna get off that couch without Miss Terry letting him. That's one of…
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) July 15, 2025
The rumor began to circulate because McElroy, Saban’s former national championship-winning quarterback, said he had heard from a major college football media personality that Saban was interested in returning. The source has remained unnamed, and Saban has yet to comment on it. He probably won’t have to because all of his former assistant coaches will take care of squashing it for him this week in Atlanta.