Will Nick Saban retire in 2024? Exploring potential alternatives for Alabama HC after Rose Bowl upset

Nick Saban, one of the greatest coaches in sports history, has decided to retire from the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Saban has been a coach since 1973 and led the Roll Tide to seven national championships and a 292-71-1 record since 2008. His retirement shocked many fans and experts in the college football world.

Retiring would mean walking away from a majority of his eight-year, $93.6 million contract. While he already has a lot of money from his coaching and endorsements, that's a massive amount to leave on the table.

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Who could take over Alabama if Nick Saban retires?

However, if Nick Saban were to bite the bullet and retire, there are a few coaches that could replace the legend.

One candidate would be Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. Having an alumnus take over makes sense, and he has coached a pair of national championship teams himself against the Alabama Crimson Tide. With a record that is more than 100 games over .500 in his career, he could do extremely well with the talent the Crimson Tide attracts.

Another potential coach would be current offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. He has been with elite programs for a few years and, at 31 years old, could be part of the program for a long time. Rees was the offensive coordinator for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2020-22 before joining the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Two things seem certain: Nick Saban will be the one to decide when he is leaving, and he will likely hand-select his replacement.

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Coaches and players speak about the potential of Nick Saban retiring

Many have spoken about the potential of Nick Saban retiring, including Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who said:

"So, we're very excited for this opportunity today - and you never know how many more you've got. Maybe this is our last time. So, we'll be very excited for this opportunity today, and so much respect for Coach and the Alabama football program."

It's not just coaches who have shown their admiration for Nick Saban, but also players like Kool-Aid McKinstry and Justin Eboigbe. McKinstry made it clear that he hadn't even thought about the possibility of Saban's retirement:

"I don't see no thoughts of just seeing him in general that this may be it for him. This is new to me now. It never crossed my mind before."

Meanwhile, Eboigbe said:

"He always says, 'Why would I walk away, and do what?' First day I came in he still has the same fire and passion that he does now." h/t Roll Bama Roll

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