Nick Saban replacement: Buyouts listed for potential hires for next Alabama coach

The greatest coach of all time is retiring. Now, the search is on for his replacement — and it could come at a cost, based on buyout numbers reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Nick Saban stunned the college football world on Wednesday when he informed his players of his intention to retire. He spent 17 seasons at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to six national championships during that time. This past season, Alabama finished 12-2 as it returned to the College Football Playoff.

There’s sure to be a long list of candidates for the job, and Thamel listed a few notable names. However, some have significant buyouts that are worth noting as the search to replace Saban begins.

Buyouts for potential Alabama head coach candidates
Dan Lanning — $20 million
Kalen DeBoer — $12 million
Dabo Swinney — $7.5 million
James Franklin — $6 million
Mike Norvell — $4 million

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 10, 2024

Oregon’s Dan Lanning was a name to come up right away after the news came out, and he has a $20 million buyout after completing his second season with the Ducks. Washington’s Kalen DeBoer could also be a candidate to replace Saban after leading the Huskies to the national championship, and his contract includes a buyout of $12 million.

Clemson’s Dabo Swinney has long been rumored to be a contender to take over at Alabama — his alma mater — and his buyout is currently $7.5 million, according to Thamel. Penn State’s James Franklin was another name Thamel mentioned, and he has a buyout of $6 million, while Florida State’s Mike Norvell’s buyout is $4.5 million.

Lanning is part of Nick Saban’s legendary coaching tree, serving as a graduate assistant at Alabama in 2015. Oregon is his first head coaching opportunity, and he has a 22-5 overall record after taking over in Eugene ahead of the 2022 season.

Kirby Smart is another notable coach who worked under Saban before winning two national championships at Georgia in 2021 and 2022 — beating his former boss to win the first one. Smart is just one of the current head coaches to learn from Saban, though, as he helped resurrect some careers as well.

Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin and Maryland’s Mike Locksley all worked under Saban as offensive coordinator before getting their respective head coach opportunities. Other high-profile current head coaches who worked under Saban include Florida’s Billy Napier and Miami’s Mario Cristobal.

Saban, 72, had a 292-72-1 record as a college football head coach, including a 201-29 mark in Tuscaloosa. He also had a stint with the Miami Dolphins from 2005-06 where he went 15-17 before taking over at Alabama.