# **Steve Sarkisian Laughs at Rumor of Nick Saban’s Return to Coaching**
In the ever-dramatic world of college football, rumors spread like wildfire—especially when they involve legendary coaches. Recently, whispers began circulating that Nick Saban, the seven-time national champion and recently retired Alabama head coach, might be considering a return to the sidelines. However, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian, a former Saban assistant, had the perfect response when asked about the speculation: laughter.
Sarkisian, who worked under Saban as Alabama’s offensive coordinator before taking the Texas job, dismissed the idea with amusement during a press conference. His reaction speaks volumes about how unlikely such a scenario is—and why the college football world should probably move on from the dream of Saban’s return.
Nick Saban’s retirement in January 2024 sent shockwaves through the sport. After 17 seasons at Alabama, where he won six national titles (and a seventh at LSU), Saban stepped away, leaving behind an unmatched legacy. Almost immediately, speculation began about whether he would eventually return, given his relentless competitive nature.
The latest rumors gained traction after an unnamed source suggested that Saban was “missing the grind” and had been in “informal discussions” with a major program. While no credible reports confirmed this, the mere suggestion was enough to ignite debates across social media and sports talk shows.
When asked about the possibility of Saban un-retiring, Sarkisian couldn’t help but chuckle.
*”Come on, man,”* Sarkisian said with a grin. *”Coach Saban’s earned his retirement. He’s on the golf course, probably analyzing his swing like it’s a third-down play. But no, I don’t see him coming back. And if he did, I’d be the first to know—and I haven’t gotten that call.”*
Sarkisian’s lighthearted dismissal suggests that those closest to Saban don’t see a comeback happening. The Alabama legend has repeatedly stated that he’s content with his decision, enjoying time with his family and his new role as an analyst for ESPN’s *College GameDay*.
Saban has nothing left to prove. With seven national championships, he surpassed Bear Bryant as the greatest coach in college football history. At 72, he’s earned the right to step away on his own terms.The sport has evolved dramatically with NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and the transfer portal creating a near-free agency environment. Saban, who was notoriously meticulous about controlling every aspect of his program, may not want to navigate this new era.Saban’s transition to television allows him to stay involved in the game without the 24/7 stress of coaching. His insights on *GameDay* will keep him in the public eye, satisfying his competitive itch in a lower-pressure setting.Coaching at the highest level is grueling. Saban has spoken in the past about the toll it takes, and retirement gives him a chance to prioritize his health and personal life.
While Sarkisian and others close to Saban doubt a comeback, the hypothetical scenario is fun to explore. Which programs could even tempt him?
– **USC or Michigan?** Some have suggested blue-blood programs with high expectations might appeal to him.
– **An NFL Comeback?** Unlikely, given his previous stint with the Miami Dolphins didn’t end well.
– **A Short-Term Consultant Role?** Maybe—but not a full-time return.
Ultimately, the most probable outcome is that Saban stays retired, continuing to influence the game from the broadcast booth rather than the sideline.Time to Let the Legend Rest**Steve Sarkisian’s laughter says it all—Nick Saban’s coaching days are over. While fans and media will always speculate, the reality is that Saban has moved on. Instead of waiting for a comeback that will likely never happen, the college football world should celebrate what he accomplished and look ahead to the next generation of coaches—like Sarkisian himself—who are building their own legacies.
As for Saban? He’s probably fine with us talking about him… as long as we don’t disturb his backswing
