Whoa Nellie! Nick Saban announces retirement

Shocking news out of Tuscaloosa as Nick Saban told his team that he is retiring as the football coach at Alabama. The 72-year old spent 17 seasons at Alabama winning 6 National Titles. Three of which came in the College Football Playoff era. He most recently led the Crimson Tide back to the playoffs this year, though they fell to Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

The longtime Alabama head coach told his team on Wednesday afternoon that he was retiring. This after defensive coordinator Kevin Steele announced his retirement. His departure opens up the most coveted coaching job in college football.  Alabama will have the pick of the litter with many viable candidates.

Nick Saban is arguably the greatest college football coach of all time. His success at LSU and Alabama along with 7 national championships and the endless amount of players he had groomed for the NFL. The program has lost many coordinators who have become head coaches elsewhere. Maybe one of those coaches would want to come back?

Who will replace Nick Saban at Alabama?

In house they have Tommy Reese who served as offensive coordinator last season. There are some big names that have ties to the program. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin and Oregon’s Dan Lanning should be the front runner for the job. All come with big buyouts and could be difficult to move. Whoever goes take over will potentially have the early favorite for the Heisman Trophy in quarterback Jalen Milroe.

It’s been a crazy week with coaching moves around the NFL. Including Pete Carroll who won a national championship at USC and a Super Bowl with Seattle. Bill Belichick is also on the hot seat with the Patriots.

Saban announced he is retiring, but could he make a move to the NFL?

Stay tuned.

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