Insider reveals Alabama's timeframe for naming successor to Nick Saban

The stunning news of Alabama head coach Nick Saban's retirement sent shockwaves throughout the college football world. However, while those on the outside celebrate a legendary career, the program must find a successor in what's likely to be a quick yet thorough search, according to one insider. 

Appearing on the "Jim Rome Show," Bruce Feldman of The Athletic said a new coach could be named in days, not weeks or months. 

"I was told when Greg Byrne, the Alabama AD, met with the players yesterday, he told them, give me 72 hours," Feldman said. "That's not a lot of time. But again, because there's an open window when a coaching change happens, that Alabama players, you know, could be bailing out."

Feldman confirmed that one Alabama recruit is "looking around," but as of right now, the cupboard remains intact. Additionally, he named several potential candidates for Saban's old job, including former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian (Texas), Mike Norvell (Florida State) and Kalen DeBoer (Washington). 

Regarding the reason behind Saban's seemingly abrupt exit from the game, Feldman theorized that the changing landscape of college football, paired with his age and potential desire to work on television, was the perfect storm. 

"You know, look, he is 72, and a chaotic sport has gotten even more chaotic in the last couple of years, not just the transfer portal, not just NIL's," Feldman said. "The coaching calendar is completely out of whack, and I think it's a big juggling act. "

While the job is bound to draw a variety of interested suitors, Alabama can cross one name off the list: Oregon HC Dan Lanning, who shut down speculation via a social media post less than 24 hours after Saban's retirement became official. 

It's still unclear which direction Alabama will lean, but Byrne did supply a pretty clear picture of what the program was looking for in a new HC. 

All that's left to do is wait, but if Byrne sticks by his word, it won't be a long one.