Paul Finebaum Makes Stance Clear on Nick Saban’s Rumored College Football Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 11:08 AM ET

Ever since Nick Saban shocked the college football world by retiring in January 2024, rumors have swirled about a possible return to coaching. But according to ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, fans holding out hope for a comeback should let it go.

Appearing on "McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning," Finebaum was asked directly about whispers that Saban might not be done working on the sidelines just yet. His response left little room for speculation.

“No,” Finebaum said flatly when asked if he believed Saban was considering a return.

He went on to explain why he’s so confident the seven-time national champion is truly done coaching.

“I ran into somebody the other day who spends time with Saban in Florida… He said Saban is literally having the time of his life. And why wouldn't he?”

Since retiring from Alabama, Saban has taken on a new role as an analyst for ESPN’s "College GameDay," offering insight without the stress and grind of running a football program.

According to Finebaum, it’s a lifestyle Saban has quickly embraced. He painted a picture of a man finally enjoying the fruits of his labor, far removed from the pressure cooker of the SEC.

“I'm much closer to Nick Saban's age than (McElroy is), and I can assure you, when you have everything you want and you start playing golf at the best golf clubs in America and you start making friends who belong to even better golf clubs and you make a lot of money for doing very little work on TV, the interest in doing what he walked away from is not very high.”

The longtime SEC voice also reminded listeners that if Saban ever did have the itch to return, it’s unlikely he’d find a better situation than the one he just left.

“He had a better situation at Alabama the day he left compared to anywhere he goes, let's say, next year.”

So while college football may miss Nick Saban on the sideline, it seems the legendary coach is perfectly content with life after coaching, and Finebaum doesn’t expect that to change.

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

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