Is Nick Saban going to LSU? Exploring the rumors around the former Alabama HC

Nick Saban is widely considered the greatest head coach in modern college football history. The Alabama Crimson Tide legend won seven national championships, 11 SEC championships, 16 SEC West division titles, and more. He retired from coaching in January 2024 to pursue other ventures.

However, with the 2024 college football season underway, there are rumors of Saban making a return to the sidelines as soon as next season. Let's consider the possibility of the future Hall of Fame coach retracing his steps to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Is Saban going to LSU?

The LSU Tigers are ranked No. 21 ahead of Week 12 of the 2024 college football season. That ranking would be decent for some teams; however, it's low for LSU's expectations. Current head coach Brian Kelly could be on the hot seat as the regular season comes to an end.

Nick Saban is a tantalizing option for the Tigers. The superstar head coach won his first national championship with LSU in 2003. Furthermore, Saban is on record saying that one of his biggest regrets was leaving LSU for the Miami Dolphins. A return to the Tigers could be the perfect ending to one of the most iconic American sports coaching careers.

As much as the Tigers might want to have Saban calling the shots rather than Kelly, it doesn't look feasible. Saban is 73 years old, and he has been vocal about enjoying his time away from coaching. He is an analyst on ESPN College GameDay and has been a vocal critic of the NIL system in recent times. It's hard to imagine Saban joining another high-pressure program this late in his career.

How did Nick Saban perform at LSU?

While Saban's chances of joining the LSU Tigers are rather unlikely, it's only right we highlight his achievements during his time with them. Saban coached the Tigers from 2000 to 2004.

He guided the program to a 48-16 total record, a 28-12 record in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), two conference titles, and the 2003 national championship. Saban left the Tigers at the end of the 2004 college football season to become the head coach of the Dolphins.