Kirby Smart has 3-word response to talk of Nick Saban returning

Nick Saban would likely have his pick of jobs at top college programs if he decided he wanted to coach again, but one of his most successful former assistants does not see that happening.

The idea of Saban returning to the sideline was raised this week by former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, who said he spoke with a “very-much-in-the-know person” who is convinced Saban wants to coach again.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who was an assistant under Saban at Alabama for nine years, was asked about that on Tuesday. Smart confidently said “that’s not happening.”

“That’s not happening. I don’t think Nick’s coming back. I think he’s too happy where he is,” Smart said, via Seth Emerson of The Athletic. “I have talked to Nick pretty regularly and I just don’t see it. It’s one of those things that if he wanted to, he’d be unbelievable at it.”

Smart also mocked the media for incorrectly reporting that Will Muschamp was leaving his position on Georgia’s staff. Smart said he was going to offer Muschamp’s job to Saban but that the seven-time national champion is “overqualified.”

Smart then joked that Saban’s wife, Terry, will ultimately decide whether Nick can coach again.