The college football world was left stunned when Nick Saban announced his retirement in January 2024, ending an era at Alabama. But rumors have been swirling about a potential comeback, and even former players are weighing in. Greg McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback, recently claimed that “a very much in-the-know person” believes Saban isn’t done coaching yet.
So, what does one of Saban’s former players, Caleb Downs, think about the rumors? Downs, a standout safety who transferred to Ohio State after Saban’s retirement, had this to say: “I can see him coming back, but I haven’t talked to him about it, so I can’t really say whether he’s going to do that or not. If he does, I’m sure he’ll make a big impact on college football.” Downs, who helped the Buckeyes win the national title, has a unique perspective on Saban’s coaching style and legacy. He played a key role in Alabama’s success under Saban, including a memorable run to the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2023.
While Downs hasn’t spoken to Saban about a potential comeback, he’s clearly aware of the rumors and isn’t ruling it out. If Saban were to return to coaching, it would be a bombshell announcement that would shake up the college football landscape. As the rumors continue to swirl, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the future holds for the legendary coach. Will Saban make a comeback, or is he truly done? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – if he does return, college football will never be the same.
