"Deion Sanders for the Alabama job?": Shaquille O’Neal on the ideal successor for Nick Saban at Alabama

In the wake of Nick Saban's retirement, the search for a new Alabama coach has begun. Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal recently gave his pick. In a short video posted on Instagram, Shaq endorsed an unconventional candidate for the prestigious role – Deion Sanders, the coach at the University of Colorado.

Shaq asked his 33.8 million followers:

"Hey I don't usually do this, but I'm going to do it today. Deion Sanders for the Alabama job?"

Sanders finished 4-8 in his inaugural season with Colorado. Before his stint with the Buffaloes, he secured back-to-back SWAC championships at Jackson State, amassing an impressive 27-6 record in three seasons.

Despite Sanders' credentials, many analysts have deemed a move to Alabama unlikely, with other seasoned college football coaches emerging as more probable candidates.

While Shaq's endorsement might have added fuel to the Sanders-Alabama rumor mill, the coaching landscape remains dynamic.

Washington's Kalen DeBoer and Florida State's Mike Norvell remain the favorites to succeed Saban.

---

Nick Saban's retirement and the transition at Alabama football

Saban's retirement after an illustrious coaching career has left a void at Alabama, a program he led to six national championships.

Saban's dedication to the team was evident even on the first day of his retirement, as he expressed a commitment to support the players and coaches during the transition.

"I want to be there for the players, for the coaches, anything I can do to support them during this transition," Saban told ESPN.

While Saban cited age-related challenges and health considerations as factors in his decision to retire, he emphasized that it was the right time to pass the torch and allow the program to continue thriving under new leadership.

"You keep working right up until it's time to walk away. I think when you get away from doing what you've always done, you're never going to be as effective. And that's just sort of it. I knew it was time," Saban said.

Whether Sanders becomes a serious contender remains to be seen, but the football world eagerly awaits the announcement of Nick Saban's successor, marking the beginning of a new era for Alabama football.