Nick Saban rumors: Which NFL teams make the most sense for Alabama GOAT?
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Nick Saban became quite the topic of discussion during SEC Media Days this week in Atlanta. Mind you, it wasn’t anything the Alabama legend said himself — it was all about what others said about him.
Greg McElroy opened the can of worms by saying he’d heard from someone he trusts that Nick Saban might return to coaching. We had some fun with it, as Saturday Down South’s Derek Peterson named 5 schools he’d love to see the GOAT at in 2026. Our David Wasson took a different approach, saying there’s no way Saban ever coaches again.
Then there’s Urban Meyer. The Florida/Ohio State legend said he doesn’t think Saban would coach at the college level again, but could see him having interest in the NFL.
So I thought, what the heck? Let’s put together 5 NFL teams that would make the most sense for Nick Saban if he decides he wants to scratch that coaching itch again:
5. Buffalo Bills
Look, the Bills are in a good situation with QB Josh Allen, some exciting pieces on offense and an improving defense. But what if the Bills fail to reach a Super Bowl once again in 2025? Could they move on from Sean McDermott? I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility.
Saban could then step into a situation with a steady ownership group, a strong front office and a good group of players to mold. Walking into a situation with Allen and a solid team around him wouldn’t be the worst way to spend his mid-70s.
4. Atlanta Falcons
If the Falcons don’t take a step forward this year, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that they could look for a new head coach. It seems Atlanta didn’t want to give Bill Belichick control of the front office, but I don’t think Saban would be as demanding about being in charge of the personnel side of things.
The NFC South is also a weaker division, so the path to the postseason is there. Michael Penix Jr. would need to show flashes of something this fall for Saban to potentially be interested, as I don’t think he’s walking into a situation where there’s QB uncertainty. But the skill is there in Atlanta for this to be an interesting move.
3. Miami Dolphins
Unfinished business, anyone? We all know how the first stint in Miami turned out for Saban. Does that gnaw at him? Would he like the opportunity to reunite with Tua Tagovailoa? Crazier things have happened.
The Dolphins’ defense isn’t terrible, either. However, if Mike McDaniel is fired after this season, it’s likely because Tua once again wasn’t healthy, so that’s why this job isn’t a bit higher on the list.
2. Dallas Cowboys
A few years ago, I caused a bit of a stir on social media when I “guaranteed” that Nick Saban would coach the first game of the 2020 season at AT&T Stadium in Dallas:
Many took that to mean I was predicting that Saban would be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys that season. That was far from the truth. The simple fact was that Alabama was slated to play USC at AT&T Stadium in Week 1 that year. Then… well… this thing called COVID happened, so my “guarantee” didn’t work out. My bad for not seeing that pandemic coming.
But could Saban potentially be swayed out of retirement by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Micah Parsons and company? I’m not sure that he’d ever get along with Jerry Jones, but if he wants a quick path toward Super Bowl contention, he could do a lot worse than the Cowboys.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have perhaps the best offense in the NFL. They have Joe Burrow at QB. They have Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at WR. This is an offense built to win now.
The problem?
The defense looks like a unit built to win in 7 years (if not longer). That doesn’t fit the Burrow/Chase/Higgins timeline. Cincinnati needs someone to step in and whip the defense into shape. Saban is absolutely that guy. What offensive coordinator wouldn’t want to follow Saban to Cincinnati to work with those studs? Hire Joe Brady away from the Bills to reunite the LSU gang and then get to work.
I know the premise of this article is mostly tongue-in-cheek, but I truly believe Saban could win a Super Bowl with the Bengals in the next 2-3 years.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
