Insider says Nick Saban isn't done coaching

Photo by Joshua R. Gateley / ESPN Images

Nick Saban may love sitting at the College GameDay desk and no longer worrying about the ins and outs of being the head coach of a college football program. But despite his disdain for the direction of the sport, the profession seems to be calling to him like the Green Goblin mask.

McElroy, who quarterbacked Alabama to a national title under Saban and now works alongside him at ESPN, shared a curious nugget Monday on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. During an interview with Paul Finebaum, McElroy said someone “very much in the know” — someone he respects and trusts — believes Saban isn’t done coaching.

“This is a little bit out of left field,” McElroy admitted, “but the question was asked of me… [by] a very much in-the-know person that I have a lot of respect for. 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.”

Finebaum shot it down immediately. McElroy agreed. Neither of them actually believes Saban’s coming back. But the fact that McElroy even put it out there? That’s what stands out. He didn’t treat it like some Alabama fan calling into The Paul Finebaum Show wondering if Saban is college football’s version of Emperor Palpatine. He gave it some thought. You don’t do that unless the name still carries gravitational pull. And few names pull harder than Saban.

Saban has taken well to television. He’s sharp, thoughtful, and naturally commanding, which are all qualities that made him a legendary coach and now make him an elite analyst. Guys like Saban don’t just shut it off. The competitive switch doesn’t stay flipped for long. So when someone close to him suggests the door’s not fully closed, you pay attention.

For now, Saban’s staying out of the fray. He’s not part of the SEC Network’s coverage of Media Days in Atlanta this week and isn’t attending. Maybe this is just another round of the “will they, won’t they” dance retired coaches do once they join the media. It’s happened before. Bill Cowher. Jon Gruden (before the emails). Tony Dungy. The list goes on and on and on. But the fact that McElroy even brought it up? It’s not nothing.

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