Nick Saban Lists His Top Five Picks to Coach Alabama Football: Who Could Succeed the Legend?
As Nick Saban’s illustrious tenure as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide continues, the looming question of his eventual successor grows louder. Saban, who has become synonymous with Alabama football, is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. With multiple national championships and countless SEC titles under his belt, his legacy is secure. However, as he moves further into his 70s, the question of who will take the reins of the Alabama football program once he steps down remains one of the most significant topics in college football.
Recently, Saban gave some insight into who he believes could be the best candidates to succeed him at Alabama. In a rare public moment, Saban listed his top five picks to coach Alabama football, highlighting potential coaches who could continue the Crimson Tide’s tradition of success. While no official plans have been made, this list provides a fascinating look into the future of Alabama football and the next steps for the program.
1. Dabo Swinney – Clemson’s Proven Winner
The first name on Saban’s list is none other than Dabo Swinney, the head coach of Clemson University. Swinney has built one of the premier programs in college football, capturing multiple national championships and consistently competing for titles in the College Football Playoff era. Swinney’s success at Clemson, particularly in the ACC, has earned him widespread respect in the college football community. His ability to recruit elite talent and develop that talent into championship-caliber teams has made him a favorite in coaching circles.
Why Dabo Swinney?
Saban and Swinney share similar coaching philosophies, with an emphasis on discipline, a strong work ethic, and building a culture of winning. Swinney’s ability to sustain success at a school like Clemson—traditionally considered less of a powerhouse compared to Alabama—demonstrates his skill as a recruiter and a coach. Saban has often spoken highly of Swinney, and many believe that Swinney would be the natural successor to take over at Alabama. His familiarity with the SEC, where he played wide receiver at Alabama, and his proven track record at Clemson make him an ideal candidate.
2. Kirby Smart – Georgia’s Championship Builder
Next up on Saban’s list is Kirby Smart, the current head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs. Smart, a former Alabama defensive coordinator, has long been considered one of the most likely candidates to take over at Alabama when Saban eventually steps down. Smart has proven his coaching acumen, leading Georgia to its first national championship since 1980 in 2021 and establishing the Bulldogs as perennial contenders in the SEC and the college football playoff.
Why Kirby Smart?
Smart’s ties to Alabama run deep, having spent years as Saban’s defensive coordinator before taking the Georgia job in 2016. His understanding of Alabama’s culture and expectations would allow him to hit the ground running in Tuscaloosa. Smart has also proven himself to be an excellent recruiter, consistently landing top classes and producing NFL talent. His ability to build a dominant defense at Georgia, combined with his success as a head coach, makes him one of the top choices to succeed Saban.
While Smart’s success at Georgia could make him hesitant to leave, his history with Alabama and his familiarity with the program make him a leading candidate to be the next head coach of the Crimson Tide.
3. Lane Kiffin – Alabama’s Rebel With a Cause
Another name on Saban’s list is Lane Kiffin, the current head coach of Ole Miss. Kiffin, known for his offensive genius and ability to innovate, has revitalized Ole Miss’ football program and built one of the most dynamic offenses in the SEC. His work as the offensive coordinator at Alabama from 2014 to 2016 allowed him to get a firsthand look at Saban’s program, and his success at Ole Miss has earned him significant attention from college football insiders.
Why Lane Kiffin?
Kiffin’s ability to adapt and modernize offenses, combined with his familiarity with the Alabama program, makes him a viable candidate for the head coach position. While his tenure at previous programs, such as USC and Tennessee, was marked by some controversies, Kiffin has matured as a coach and established himself as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football. His offensive prowess would complement the strong defensive tradition at Alabama, making him an intriguing choice to lead the Crimson Tide into the future.
Though Kiffin’s reputation as a bit of a “rebel” might give some pause, there’s no denying his ability to recruit, develop talent, and manage a football program at the highest level. If he continues to perform at Ole Miss, Kiffin could find himself as one of the top choices for Alabama’s next head coach.
4. Jimbo Fisher – Texas A&M’s Recruiting Powerhouse
Another name that Saban has mentioned is Jimbo Fisher, the head coach of Texas A&M University. Fisher, who won a national championship at Florida State in 2013, has brought considerable success to Texas A&M, particularly in terms of recruiting. Fisher has consistently landed top-tier recruiting classes, making Texas A&M a legitimate contender in the SEC. While he has yet to win a national championship at Texas A&M, his pedigree and ability to recruit at an elite level make him a compelling option for Alabama.
Why Jimbo Fisher?
Fisher’s experience coaching at both the collegiate and professional levels, along with his success at Florida State and Texas A&M, would allow him to step into the Alabama job with confidence. He understands the high expectations of coaching in the SEC and has the ability to recruit and develop elite talent. Fisher’s offensive mind and commitment to building a championship program align with Alabama’s culture, making him an interesting candidate to follow Saban.
The primary concern with Fisher is his inability to break through in the highly competitive SEC West, which includes Alabama, LSU, and other powerhouse programs. However, if Fisher can continue to improve his program at Texas A&M, he may find himself in the running for the Alabama job once Saban steps down.
5. Mario Cristobal – Miami’s Resurgence
The final name on Saban’s list is Mario Cristobal, the head coach of the University of Miami. Cristobal, who had a successful stint as the head coach of Oregon before returning to his alma mater, has been tasked with bringing Miami back to national prominence. He has already begun rebuilding the program, focusing on recruiting and player development. His experience in the SEC as an assistant coach at Alabama and his success at Oregon have made him an intriguing candidate for the Alabama job.
Why Mario Cristobal?
Cristobal’s ties to Alabama through his time as an assistant coach under Saban make him a natural candidate for the job. He understands the ins and outs of Alabama’s football culture and has shown the ability to recruit and develop talent at a high level. If Cristobal can continue to elevate Miami’s program, he could quickly move up the ranks as a top contender for the Alabama job.
Cristobal’s focus on building a balanced team and his ability to recruit elite players would fit well with Alabama’s tradition of excellence. If Miami continues its resurgence under Cristobal, the Hurricanes could become a serious competitor for the SEC and national titles in the coming years, putting Cristobal on Alabama’s radar as a future head coach.