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Kirby Smart, Lane Kiffin Disagree On Nick Saban's Future

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 4:35 PM ET

Two of Nick Saban's proteges shared contrasting thoughts about their former employer's coaching future.

Mississippi's Lane Kiffin and Georgia's Kirby Smart might have breathed a sigh of relief when Saban retired as Alabama's head coach after the 2023 season. The 73-year-old now analyzes football on "College GameDay," but speculation of a coaching comeback has emerged during SEC Media Days.

Kiffin, a former Crimson Tide offensive coordinator, told reporters he "wouldn't be surprised" if Saban returned.

"I don't think he's done. I think he'll be back," Kiffin said Monday, per the Mississippi Clarion Ledger's Sam Hutchens. "Whether that's college or NFL, I think he'll be back."

However, Smart offered a much different perspective.

"That's not happening. I don't think Nick's coming back," Smart said, per The Athletic's Seth Emerson. "I think he's too happy where he is. "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 joked about offering the "overqualified" Saban an opportunity to replace Will Muschamp amid unverified rumors of the defensive analyst leaving Georgia's staff. Saban's former defensive coordinator doesn't think there's any validity to chatter about the seven-time national champion returning.

"I heard all the scuttlebutt and everything about it. I almost laughed," Smart told reporters Tuesday, via Sunny Nelson. "It was like someone needed something interesting to talk about yesterday."

With that said, Smart noted that his former boss hasn't lost any interest in football.

"He is passionate about it," Smart said of Saban. "He and I still talk and share ideas from time to time about defensive philosophies and the way to do things. He's still watching tape and very, very involved in football. He loves it."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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