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Dark Horse NFL Job Has Been Mentioned For Nick Saban

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 6:40 PM ET

Nick Saban has retired from coaching and indicated no interest in returning. Alas, pundits keep guessing where Saban could coach next.

Speculation has surfaced about Saban pursuing a comeback after a year away from the sidelines. Former quarterback Greg McElroy, who played under Saban at Alabama, sparked the flames when claiming a notable source believes the 73-year-old will coach again.

The chatter has shifted beyond college and toward a possible return to the NFL. Paul Finebaum pitched a Miami Dolphins reunion last week, and two Fox Sports recent personalities made their cases for two AFC North rivals.

Colin Cowherd said Tuesday that the Cleveland Browns should hire Saban to coach Arch Manning if they land the No. 1 draft pick next year. While Nick Wright would "definitely" consider Saban if he ran an NFL franchise, he doesn't see the seven-time national champion taking on a long-term project.

"If I'm Nick Saban and I want to do this, I'm not that interested in a top-down rebuild," Wright said on The Herd. "I'm much more interested in, I got three or four years. Let me see if I can have a contender immediately."

Wright suggested that Saban could instead make sense for the Cincinnati Bengals if they stumble in 2025.

"I think the Bengals, who if they miss the playoffs again will probably be looking for a new head coach, I think they can be an attractive one," he said.

Most coaches would love the opportunity to work with Joe Burrow. Saban knows the quarterback pretty well, as he ran roughshod over the SEC when leading LSU to a national championship during a historically dominant 2019 season.

Burrow has already guided the Bengals to an AFC title, but they've missed the playoffs in consecutive 9-8 seasons. While Burrow returned from a wrist injury to amass 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns last season, the defense finished 25th in points and yards allowed.

Head coach Zac Taylor could spend his seventh season on the hot seat if Cincinnati doesn't revert into a title contender. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean Saban is next in line to take the job.

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

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