Colin Cowherd believes Texas star Arch Manning will be responsible for bringing the legendary coach out of retirement. He called it the “worst-kept secret in the South.”
Saban left the sidelines in 2024 after 28 years on the sidelines. He made stops at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU, and Alabama, winning seven national titles and 81% of his games.
He called it a career after a loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl. The changing landscape in college football was said to be the cause. Now, there are whispers of a return.
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy sparked the speculation with a comment at SEC Media Days in Atlanta.
“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, they seem to think Nick Saban’s not done coaching…
“He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again… If it wasn’t someone notable, I’d never say a word.”
-Greg McElroy
He did not say where that return could come. He did not note if it would be at the college or NFL level. He did, however, seem confident in his assertion.
Nick Saban’s daughter quieted the noise with a definitive social media post. “He’s not coming back to coaching, hate to break it to you,” she wrote.
That was that… until it wasn’t!
https://youtu.be/9pBilTgQ0aA?si=0qglVmPxVb2XYJ67
“This is the worst-kept secret in the South,” he said on The Herd. “Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Browns and huge SEC/Tennesse booster, leans heavily on the Manning family. He’s very close to the Manning family. That’s not make-believe.
“Arch Manning [is] part of the Manning family. This is where Nick Saban comes in. Saban is incredibly close to not only Jimmy Haslam, but Saban’s close to the Manning family as well.
“So Saban, if he could land I’m told a top quarterback… would take a phone call for the NFL.”
Cowherd goes onto name the Browns and the Saints as potential landing spots for Manning, assuming he’d be a top NFL Draft pick in 2026.
Saban coached in Cleveland under Bill Belichick. He also coached in down the road from New Orleans at LSU.
Could a reunion in one of those areas be imminent? It could depend on Arch Manning’s performance.
There are those confident that he’ll be the family’s next great passer. Others have their hesitations.
Steve Spurrier questioned his abilities given his spot on the depth chart behind Quinn Ewers in 2024. Brian Kelly indirectly cast doubt on the quarterback’s national title odds in his SEC Media Day appearance.
As it stands, Arch Manning is the Heisman trophy favorite. With that said, he’s started just two games and thrown...