Brian Kelly endorses the possibility of Nick Saban returning to college football

Nick Saban and his potential return to coaching college football has become a trending topic at SEC Media Days. LSU head coach Brian Kelly is hoping it comes to fruition.

The fuse was lit by former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, when he relayed that he’s heard someone predict the legendary leader will return to coaching at some point. He cited a “very much in the know person” thinks Saban will get back to the sidelines.

McElroy continued to hammer home the idea with SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum. Saban currently works as an analyst for ESPN, but he’s not part of SEC Network’s coverage of SEC Media Days in Atlanta and is not in attendance this week.

As the story makes its rounds in Georgia, Kelly was asked about a potential return to the sport for Saban. It’s something the Tigers leader would sign up for, believing college football as a whole is better when Saban is on the sidelines.

“It’d be better for college football if Nick Saban is coaching. Period,” Kelly told On3’s Alex Byington. “There’s nobody better to develop players and certainly build championship programs, but at the same time understanding how to do it and how to do it the right way. It’d be a great day if he was back in it.”

While it may seem a bit far fetched, McElroy is beating the drum, and Kelly is hoping for the best. The former Crimson Tide signal-caller did point out it was someone “notable” who told him they think Saban isn’t necessarily done coaching. In fact, he said the person was “adamant.”

“This is a little bit out of left field, but the question was asked of me … a very much in the know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around and just really, really admire,” McElroy said. “They seem to think Nick Saban’s not done coaching. I had a similar reaction. He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again. … Look, if it wasn’t someone notable, I’d never say a word.”

Before the hype train leaves the station, Finebaum did rain on the parade a bit, responding with a resounding, “No” when McElroy asked if he “bought” the speculation. The former Alabama quarterback agreed with him, and Finebaum pointed out the life the legendary coach is living – including his improving golf game.

Stranger things have happened though. Brian Kelly wouldn’t mind the competition if Nick Saban decided to return. A rising tide lifts all boats. It’s certainly something to keep an eye on moving forward.

— On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this article.