Just when you thought the college football coaching carousel couldn’t get any crazier, the rumor mill decided to toss Nick Saban’s hat into the ring for the Penn State job. Yes, you read that right. The recently retired, seven-time national champion, the undisputed G.O.A.T. of college coaching, was being linked to a return to the sidelines in Happy Valley. It’s the kind of delicious chaos that only this sport can serve up.
How Did Saban’s Name Get Mentioned?
The whole thing started swirling after Penn State parted ways with James Franklin. It was a move that sent shockwaves through the Big Ten, but what came next was pure, unadulterated sports talk gold. Pundits like Joel Klatt started spitballing, suggesting Penn State’s first call should be to Saban. Why not take the biggest swing imaginable, right? It is like asking Michael Jordan to come out of retirement to play for your local YMCA team. You know the answer is “no,” but you have to ask.
The speculation reached a fever pitch, forcing the issue onto the set of ESPN’s “College GameDay.” And who better to put the rumors to bed than the one person who holds more power over Nick Saban than any defensive coordinator ever could: his wife, Miss Terry.
Miss Terry Drops the Hammer
Pat McAfee, in his classic agent-of-chaos style, put the question directly to Miss Terry. What if Penn State backed up the Brink’s truck? Say, a cool $50 million a year? Would that be enough to lure the Saban’s to State College? Miss Terry, a legend in her own right, didn’t miss a beat. “Look, Pat,” she said, “I have no doubt if Nick wanted to go back to coaching, he could win his eighth national championship.” A little flex for the haters, you love to see it.
But then she brought it home. “But we’re having too much fun, and we wouldn’t want to take that opportunity away from all of our baby coaches, like Kirby and Lane.” The subtle, motherly shade thrown at Kirby Smart and Lane Kiffin was a masterclass. As if that wasn’t enough, she twisted the knife with a grin, “I haven’t heard a number yet, Pat.” Boss move.
The Saban Coaching Tree
Miss Terry’s quip about her “baby coaches” was hilarious, but it also pointed to the incredible legacy Saban built. Coaches like Kirby Smart and Lane Kiffin, once his protégés, are now giants in the sport themselves. It’s a testament to the effect of Saban’s influence—a strong foundation and widespread impact that covers the entire landscape of college football. Kiffin, ever the Twitter troll, couldn’t resist a “Thanks Mrs. Terry 😂” in response.
While the thought of Saban trading Tuscaloosa for a white-out in Beaver Stadium was fun for a minute, it was never really in the cards. Saban himself seemed almost offended on behalf of James Franklin, stating it was “unfair as hell” for Penn State to fire a coach who brought them so much success.
So, for now, Saban will remain on our TV screens, enjoying retirement and the occasional lakeside jaunt. But let’s be honest, the next time a blue-blood program has an opening, you know his name will pop up again. And we’ll all be here for the ride, waiting to see if Miss Terry gives her blessing. Don’t hold your breath.
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