Nick Saban: CBS Sports ranks Top 5 college football team fits for potential return to coaching

Greg McElroy sent the college football universe into a frenzy ahead of Monday at the SEC Media Days. He claims to have spoken to somebody “in the know” who believes Nick Saban will return to coaching. This comes well over a year after Saban announced his retirement and stepped down as the Alabama head coach.

This had led to all kinds of speculation, wondering where Saban’s next stop possibly could be. CBS Sports took the liberty of naming five programs that could be potential fits for Saban.

Breaking it down by conference — two come from the ACC and a Big 12 school is mentioned. Saban could even make his way back to the Big Ten or connect with some old roots inside the SEC. Let’s check out the five from CBS Sports.

1. LSU Tigers

Saban’s career would almost come full circle if it ended in Baton Rouge. Of course, something would have to terribly go wrong with Brian Kelly, someone facing a ton of pressure in 2025. But if LSU were to open up, CBS Sports believes only one call needs to be made.

CBS Sports: “Am I the only one who sees this as obvious? … LSU is the only school other than Alabama that Nick Saban has won a national title at. He doesn’t need to envision it here. He has the recipe.”

2. Michigan Wolverines

You have to imagine Michigan State fans would feel similar to LSU if Saban joined one of the program’s biggest rivals. Proving he could win outside of the SEC is why CBS Sports lists Michigan, saying Saban might want to prove himself just a little more.

CBS Sports: “Saban never conquered the Big Ten. He spent 22 seasons as a coach in the SEC, won 11 SEC titles and seven national championships… You know he wants the chance to prove to the world that he’s not a system coach who is only capable of winning in the SEC. He can win in the Big Ten, too!”

3. Florida State Seminoles

Mike Norvell survived a 2-10 season but may not have the same fate if things go south for Florida State this season. Just a few years removed from Saban being public enemy No. 1 in Tallahassee, he jump-starts the program and restores some of the glory days.

CBS Sports: “Think of the storyline. The man whose program kept Florida State out of the College Football Playoff two years ago, causing the Seminoles to descend into such a deep depression… offered an apology by offering to save them.”

4. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech continues to make splashes in the recruiting world, most recently five-star OT Felix Ojo. Resources are going to flow in Lubbock while having a great talent pool across the state. Just what somebody like Saban needs.

CBS Sports: “If Nick Saban is coming back, he ain’t doing it to go 7-5. He’ll want resources and a strong local recruiting base to build a program and compete for titles. We certainly know Texas Tech has the money.”

5. North Carolina Tar Heels

Bill Belichick has not even coached a fall practice in Chapel Hill. However, the moment he was hired, rumors about his NFL return began. If/when Belichick does leave the program, CBS Sports points out North Carolina has no issue bringing on older head coaches.

CBS Sports: “Why not take over at North Carolina next season when Bill Belichick returns to the NFL? I mean, the last two coaches they’ve hired in Chapel Hill had an average age of 70.5 when hired. Saban’s right in their wheelhouse.”