Nick Saban shoots down any rumors linking him to open coaching jobs: 'I want to stay retired'

Seven-time National Championship-winning head coach Nick Saban retired from the sport of college football following Alabama‘s 2023 season. That, however, hasn’t stopped programs from potentially reaching out about head coaching vacancies.

During an appearance on Friday’s edition of ‘The Pat McAfee Show,” Saban was asked about the massive salaries that were going to be handed to head coaches during this hiring cycle. The College Football Hall of Famer quipped about keeping agent Jimmy Sexton away from his wife, Miss Terry, while shooting down returning to the coaching world.

“You know, I want to stay retired,” Saban said. “I do not want (Jimmy Sexton) anywhere near Miss Terry. Because when she hears some of these numbers, she gets interested. And I’m not interested.”

Pat McAfee then brought up the Penn State head coaching vacancy and how many of their fans were clamoring for AD Pat Kraft to give Saban a blank check. He, however, is not going for that.

“No way,” Saban responded. “I have so much fun working with you (directed at McAfee). Why would I go do that?”

Penn State is just one of many high-profile jobs available before the conclusion of the season. Florida, Arkansas, Virginia Tech and UCLA are just a few other programs with a head coaching vacancy. Saban, who won seven National Championships and 292 games across his illustrious career, should be a big fish in the market, but he has made it clear that he is done.

Miss Terry shot down the question posed by Pat McAfee on last Saturday’s College GameDay. McAfee even asked if $50 million would come their way, would the two move out to State College and see Saban’s return to the Big Ten.

“Look, Pat, I have no doubt if Nick wanted to go back to coaching, he could win his eighth national championship,” Miss Terry said. “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 (Smart) and Lane (Kiffin). I haven’t heard a number yet, Pat.”

Saban didn’t offer much more comment. But it seemed pretty definitive after his wife spoke.

“Mrs. Always Right has spoken,” Saban said.

Following his retirement, Saban has spent the past two seasons as a panelist on ESPN‘s College GameDay. It appears that he will continue to stay retired, but in the sports world, some say you are never truly retired.