Nick Saban, Arch Manning pairing with Cleveland Browns pitched by Colin Cowherd

On Monday, ESPN’s Greg McElroy reported that a “very much in the know person” told him they believe Nick Saban will return to coaching. Although Saban wasn’t at the 2025 SEC Kickoff this week, his name ran rampant at the event, with reporters and coaches alike speculating on the rumor.

As popular as Saban’s name was at the 2025 SEC Kickoff, one name was even more discussed: Arch Manning. On Friday, The Herd host Colin Cowherd proposed a future where the two powerhouse names come together at the NFL level.

“Nick’s an SEC guy, knows the Manning family well. If Arch Manning plays well, if he plays it like a B+, A- level, he’s going No. 1 in the draft,” Cowherd said. “Cleveland, very likely, is going to be the worst team in the league. Nobody’s going to lose sleep with that. Arch Manning in Cleveland? The owner’s Jimmy Haslam, a huge SEC, Tennessee booster who loves headlines? Baker [Mayfield], Johnny Manziel, Deshaun Watson at his own peril?

“Arch Manning and Nick Saban make the Cleveland Browns, for an owner who loves chasing headlines, the most interesting team in the NFL. Not saying the best. They would be the most interesting team in the NFL. So, I mean, we’re going to have six, seven new openings. I’m guaranteeing you right now, if Nick is interested, half those teams call him.”

Saban retired in January 2024 and has seemingly enjoyed his retirement. Saban joined ESPN as an analyst after retiring from coaching and was a member of ESPN’s College GameDay last season.

Fans loved hearing from the legendary coach and, evidently, critics thought he was excellent as well. In May, Saban won a Sports Emmy for “Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent.” He will be a part of College GameDay again this fall.

Despite several coaches claiming they’d be excited to see Saban return to the sidelines, fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. On Thursday, Saban’s daughter, Kristen, shot down the rumors about her father’s return to coaching.

“Apparently some of y’all feel trolled by my last story of Nick’s walkout,” she wrote on her Instagram story. “He’s not coming back to coaching hate to break it to you. You had your time.”

Whether he’s with Saban or not, Arch Manning will receive no shortage of attention in the NFL. While he only made two starts last season at Texas, Manning was swarmed by the media in Atlanta this past week.

In fairness, Manning gave fans plenty to be excited about in his limited action. In his two starts, Manning completed 41-of-his-60 pass attempts for 583 yards and four touchdowns while only throwing two interceptions. He also recorded 29 rushing yards and a touchdown.