Rumors of a possible return to coaching for Nick Saban could have a direct impact on Kalen DeBoer's future at Alabama

The world of college football was hit with a bit of a shock on Monday and it all started with a rumor. 

No, nothing at the SEC meetings (though that could come), rather, a quote from former Alabama Crimson Tide QB Greg McElroy about his old head coach potentially returning to coaching. 

Which makes you wonder, is Alabama a potential landing spot? 

Could Nick Saban return to Alabama?

If Kalen DeBoer falls flat in 2025, maybe Alabama decides to move on and brings Saban back to coach in 2026 while also leading the search for a new coach. DeBoer, after all, wasn't necessarily Saban's guy. If it doesn't work out with DeBoer, it would make sense for Saban to be part of the search process while making sure the program remains stable. This one seems like a longshot, but I think we've all learned to never say never in college football.

- Zach Ragan, A to Z Sports College Football 

Here's the thing, I think that this situation doesn't even come close to happening because I think Alabama will be very good this year. SEC championship caliber, college football playoff kind of good. 

But if they aren't, and they do fall flat and do miss the expanded playoff in back-to-back years, heads are going to roll and changes will likely be made. And if they do, why not entertain the greatest coach that ever was, who left on good terms and may suddenly have the itch to compete again?

“This is a little bit out of left field, but the question was asked of me … 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,” Greg McElroy said on his radio show, McElroy and Cube in the Morning. “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 wasn’t someone notable, I’d never say a word.”

And just hours after McElroy sent the college football world ablaze, Lane Kiffin, who was prompted with a question about his former boss, had a similar sentiment as McElroy: