Report: More speculation emerges on Nick Saban potentially retiring

One well-known college football writer believes that Nick Saban could decide to retire following this season. CBS Sports writer Dennis Dodd published an article Sunday that included speculation as to whether this could be the final season for the legendary Alabama football coach.

Dodd wrote that one agent told him that he has received “informed conjecture” over the past month that this could be the year Saban steps down. Saban turned 72 in October, and many have wondered for the past few years how many seasons of coaching he has left in him.

With Alabama set to play Michigan in a College Football Playoff semifinal, the coach will have an opportunity to win his eighth national championship. Saban’s seven titles are already more than any coach in the history of the sport, as is the 14 CFP games he has coached in.

Dodd posed the idea that it would be the perfect time for the coach to retire if he manages to win another championship. He pointed to the fact that Saban’s mentor, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, has seemingly seen his window to go out on top close with losing records in three of the past four seasons.

Dodd wrote that one source told CBS Sports that Saban “has absolutely recognized that turn of events in New England.”

Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner was asked about the rumors surrounding his coach’s future. He noted that there will be “a time and place where (Saban)’s going to have to step down,” but added that “right now, there’s no slowing down for him.”

Alabama defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was also asked whether he would be surprised to see Nick Saban retire if the Crimson Tide win another title. He responded with a simple “wow” before adding “it’s always going to be out there.”

Neither of those statements offer any more clarity as to whether there is any truth to the speculation. It’s possible that these are much of the same rumors that have been around for years. Still, Saban’s age and the theory of him going out on top make for a compelling hypothetical.

If the coach does retire, it would be the end of one perhaps the greatest dynasty in college football history. Six of Saban’s seven titles have come as the Crimson Tide’s head coach, and he has a 206-28 overall record in Tuscaloosa.

For now though, he’s focused on leading Alabama to a win against Michigan in the Rose Bowl, which will kick off at 4 p.m. CT on Monday.