“Let’s Bring Him Back!” — Trump Sparks Uproar at Alabama Commencement With Bold Nick Saban Remark, Fueling Speculation of Coaching Return
A spirited commencement ceremony at the University of Alabama took an unexpected and electrifying turn on Thursday when former U.S. President Donald J. Trump suggested that legendary Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban could make a sensational return to the sidelines.
Speaking at Coleman Coliseum to a packed audience of graduates, faculty, and families, Trump praised Saban’s historic coaching career — and then dropped a bombshell that instantly set social media and sports circles ablaze.
“Nick Saban is a winner — a leader of men. Honestly, I say we bring him back!” Trump said to roaring applause.
“Let’s bring him back!”
The comment, delivered with a grin as Saban stood beside him on stage, was met with a thunderous standing ovation and a sea of cheers from the crowd. While the remark appeared spontaneous, its impact was immediate, reigniting speculation over whether Saban, 73, might still have one more chapter left in his illustrious career.
The Legacy Lives On
Saban retired in 2023 after leading Alabama to six national championships and cementing his status as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. Under his leadership from 2007 to 2023, Alabama became the gold standard of college football, known for its discipline, physicality, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Although he has stepped into a media role and advisory position at Alabama, Saban’s influence still looms large. His presence at Thursday’s ceremony further fueled nostalgia and admiration from fans, alumni, and current students.
“He’s the GOAT, plain and simple,” said 2025 graduate Brianna Hayes. “If he came back, the whole state of Alabama would lose its mind — in a good way.”
Social Media Explodes
Within minutes of Trump’s comments, hashtags like #BringBackSaban and #Saban2025 were trending nationally. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, a longtime SEC analyst, commented on the frenzy:
“Trump might’ve just stirred the pot, but it’s clear the appetite for another Saban run still exists in Tuscaloosa. Whether it’s realistic or not is another question entirely.”
Some fans even speculated whether Trump’s comments were part of a broader campaign-style strategy, given the former president’s history of headline-grabbing moments.
Saban Remains Silent — For Now
Nick Saban himself did not directly respond to Trump’s statement during the ceremony, but he smiled and appeared humbled by the warm reception. In his own brief remarks to the graduating class, he focused on perseverance, integrity, and leadership.
“Greatness is built daily,” Saban said. “Not by one moment, but by a lifetime of consistent effort and values.”
Whether or not Trump’s words were simply celebratory or a genuine call for a comeback, they struck a chord across Alabama — and beyond.
As the class of 2025 moves forward, one line from Thursday’s event will be remembered far beyond the commencement stage:
“Let’s bring him back.”
And with that, the door to possibility, however unlikely, creaked open once more.
