Former Alabama quarterback turned media figure Greg McElroy ignited speculation at SEC Media Days about Nick Saban’s potential return to coaching, citing a trusted source who believes Saban will coach again in the future. Despite Saban’s absence at the event, he quickly became a focal point of discussion in Atlanta.

However, reactions among Saban’s former assistants vary. Kirby Smart, who spent eight years as Saban’s defensive coordinator, elaborated on McElroy’s statement during his media session. “I don’t think Nick’s coming back,” Smart shared. “He’s too happy where he is. You were probably lacking some buzz and needed some yesterday… I communicate regularly with Nick, and I don’t foresee a return. He would undoubtedly excel if he chose to coach again.”

Conversely, Lane Kiffin, a former offensive coordinator at Alabama, expressed that he wouldn’t be shocked if Saban made a comeback, indicating he had presumed it would happen sooner rather than later. Kiffin mentioned, “He’s still incredibly sharp. It seems wasteful that he’s not coaching, given his exceptional ability to mentor players and impact their lives. Whether it’s in the NFL or college, I believe he will return.”

Kiffin and Smart both worked under Saban from 2014 to 2015, contributing to Alabama’s two SEC championships and the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship.