By Mmesoma 
After retiring from coaching earlier this year, Nick Saban—widely considered the greatest college football coach of all time—left a void in the sport that may never be truly filled. But in the ever-dramatic world of football, retirements are often just long vacations. Could Saban pull a Tom Brady-esque return? We’re not saying it’s happening… but we’re also not not saying it.
Here are five bold—and maybe slightly outrageous—destinations if the GOAT ever decides to return to the sidelines:
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1. NFL: Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones has never been afraid to make a splash, and if things go sideways with Mike McCarthy, why not call the GOAT? Saban’s previous NFL stint with the Dolphins didn’t end well, but with Dallas’ resources, defense, and star power, this could be the comeback narrative of the decade. America’s Team with the greatest coach? The ratings would be off the charts.
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2. College Football: Texas A&M Aggies
They have oil money and a fan base desperate for a championship. After parting ways with Jimbo Fisher in 2023 and paying one of the largest buyouts in sports history, the Aggies clearly aren’t afraid to spend big. If Saban misses the college grind and wants total control and a monster paycheck, College Station might just make an offer too big to refuse.
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3. Alabama (Yes, Again)
Is it possible to un-retire… from Alabama? Sure, he handpicked Kalen DeBoer as his successor, but let’s not forget: dynasties are addictive. If things take a turn or Saban sees a chance to chase one more title, could he stage a Last Dance with the Crimson Tide? Stranger things have happened in Tuscaloosa.
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4. USC Trojans
If Lincoln Riley doesn’t bring the Trojans back to national dominance soon, USC may start eyeing a dramatic move. Picture this: Saban at the helm of a blueblood program in Hollywood, battling Big Ten powers like Michigan and Ohio State under the California sun. He’d instantly turn USC into a defensive powerhouse—and maybe finally break their title drought.
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5. Michigan Wolverines
Jim Harbaugh is in the NFL now, and Michigan is trying to prove it can remain elite without him. If the Wolverines wanted to make the biggest possible statement—and lure top-tier recruits to Ann Arbor—hiring Saban would be a dream move. Big Ten rivalries, national spotlight, and a ready-made contender? The fit might just be crazy enough to work.
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Final Thoughts
While Nick Saban appears content with his analyst role at ESPN (for now), the competitive fire doesn’t easily fade for coaches of his caliber. If the right opportunity arises—especially one with control, resources, and a championship-caliber roster—it wouldn’t be completely out of the realm of possibility to see him back on the sideline.
So, is a Saban comeback likely? Maybe not. But is it possible? Never say never in football.
After all… GOATs don’t just disappear.