Brian Kelly Gives Honest Reaction to Reports of Nick Saban Returning To College Football

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 1:55 PM ET

As rumors of Nick Saban potentially returning to coaching continue to circulate, LSU coach Brian Kelly made his stance clear, and his comments stood in stark contrast to the skepticism shared by others in the college football world.

Speaking about the speculation, Kelly offered nothing but praise for the former Alabama coach.

“It’d be better for college football if Nick Saban is coaching. Period,” Kelly said. “There’s nobody better to develop players and certainly build championship programs. It’d be a great day if he was back in it.”

Kelly’s comments came in response to a recent report from former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, who floated the idea that Saban might not be entirely done with coaching. The former Crimson Tide quarterback-turned-college football analyst attempted to dispel the notion that Saban could return.

Brian Kelly’s reaction to Greg McElroy report Nick Saban may return to coaching: “It’d be better for college football if Nick Saban is coaching. Period. There’s nobody better to develop players & certainly build championship programs. … It’d be a great day if he was back in it.” https://t.co/DqrB5lg6VW
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) July 14, 2025

“A very much in-the-know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around and just really, really admire,” McElroy said. “They seem to think Nick Saban’s not done coaching. I had a similar reaction. He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again.

"Look, if it weren’t someone notable, I’d never say a word.”

That theory was quickly dismissed by longtime SEC analyst Paul Finebaum, who recently appeared on the "McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning" podcast and said he doesn’t see Saban returning to the sideline anytime soon.

“No,” Finebaum said when asked if a comeback was possible, adding that Saban is currently enjoying retirement, spending time in Florida, playing golf, and earning a substantial income in his new role as an ESPN College GameDay analyst.

According to Finebaum, Saban has found peace and balance in post-coaching life and is unlikely to pursue another coaching opportunity, especially given that he left what may have been the best job in college football.

Despite Finebaum’s belief that Saban is content, Kelly’s comments reflect the broader respect Saban still commands across the sport. The seven-time national champion, who retired in January 2024, transformed Alabama into a perennial powerhouse and remains a defining figure in college football history.

Whether or not Saban ever returns, it’s clear coaches like Kelly still see immense value in what he brought, and could still bring, to the game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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