Kalen DeBoer addresses reports of possible Nick Saban coaching return: 'He's earned the right to do what he wants'

Nick Saban dominated early headlines at SEC Media Days. ESPN’s Greg McElroy dropped a bomb on the college football world, saying somebody out there believes Saban is not done coaching. Nothing specific about when and where was included, but the story still swept Atlanta.

Reactions from SEC coaches, some of whom are close to Saban, have rolled in since McElroy brought the story to light. Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart differed in opinion, as the former can see Saban back on the sideline. Smart, not so much.

Now, Kalen DeBoer has gotten in on the conversation. DeBoer is the one who replaced Saban back in January 2024 to be the next Alabama head coach. Saban is still involved down in Tuscaloosa, still having an office inside the building and even helping out in recruiting efforts.

“He’s the greatest to ever do it,” DeBoer said Wednesday at SEC Media Days. “So, he’s earned the right to do what he wants.”

DeBoer made sure to point out Saban is still heavily involved in the college football landscape. Saban is one of the leading voices in the sport, routinely speaking on big-picture issues. Of course, there are the weekly appearances on ESN College GameDay, where game-by-game breakdowns take place. A welcome addition to the desk on Saturday mornings before kickoff.

At the end of the day, DeBoer knows Saban is going to do whatever he feels is best for him. In his comments, Smart pointed out there would be another barrier to pass, Miss Terry. Either way, DeBoer ultimately believes Saban’s future is in nobody’s hands but his own.

“I think the best part about what Coach Saban is doing right now is he’s still involved in the game. He’s growing the game, he brings passion to it. I enjoy, when I get moments on a Saturday morning, maybe when we have a night game, flipping on the TV and not just seeing him but the whole group GameDay and all the different ways they break things down.

“Having a chance to break things down every once in a while, you can just feel that he still has that love for the game. My sense is that he loves doing it in the capacity that he’s doing it right now but I think everyone who is close to him… can’t help but want him to be happy doing whatever he wants to do.”