Since Nick Saban left Alabama after the 2023 season, college football has still been clamoring for its fix of the former head coach. Fortunately, Saban is a staple on ESPN’s College GameDay every weekend.
But for many, just seeing Saban on television isn’t enough. His expertise is often mentioned as being perfect for a larger role — like becoming the sport’s first commissioner.
Last January, one of Saban’s former assistants and current Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin openly advocated for his old boss to take the job.
“I can’t imagine there being a better person that genuinely has the best interest for the game and the kids. He always has. He’s always been old school that way. So, there couldn’t be a better person than him to do it,” Kiffin said.
It doesn’t sound like that’s going to happen.
“I don’t want to be in that briar patch of being a commissioner,” Saban told the Associated Press recently. “But I do want to do everything I can to make it right.”
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Ironically, Saban made those comments alongside Colorado coach Deion Sanders while the two were promoting Aflac’s latest commercial, which features Saban naming the Aflac duck the “Commissioner of Coverage.”
Saban’s insistence on staying retired is becoming a common theme. Earlier this year, he had to shoot down speculation that he might return to the sidelines.
“I’m really happy with what I am doing right now. It’s exciting to still be involved in the game,” Saban said.
That rumor stemmed from his former quarterback, Greg McElroy, who mentioned on his podcast that he’d heard from a “notable source” that Saban was considering a comeback.
Whether it’s coaching or commissioning, one thing is clear: Nick Saban is still coveted throughout college football. For now, though, the sport will have to settle for him breaking down Saturdays on GameDay.
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