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Rumors have been swirling that college football legend Nick Saban, the charismatic former Alabama head coach, might don the headset once again—this time in Morgantown as head coach of West Virginia University (WVU).
1. The Rumor Mill: How Did It Start?
In late 2024 and early 2025, buzz emerged online—particularly on social media and fan forums—speculating that Saban was being considered for the WVU head coach position following Neal Brown’s departure. With Saban hailing from nearby Fairmont, West Virginia, fans were quick to wonder: could the state’s most successful football coach return home?
However, respected sports reporters, including Schuyler Callihan of Sports Illustrated, quickly dismissed the speculation. There were no credible reports of serious discussions between Saban and WVU athletics.
2. Pat McAfee Weighs In
Former WVU punter and current ESPN analyst Pat McAfee addressed the rumor directly. According to McAfee, he’s asked Saban “a thousand times” if he would coach at WVU. Each time, the answer was a clear “no.” Saban, McAfee noted, is enjoying retirement and his current role as a broadcaster and analyst.
Still, McAfee added a significant detail: Saban remains passionate about his home state and would like to “help West Virginia” in some way. While that doesn’t mean coaching on the sidelines, it could involve offering guidance or strategic input.
3. Saban’s Connection to WVU—Past and Present
Born in Fairmont and raised in Monongah, Saban has deep ties to West Virginia. His coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Kent State, but he served as a defensive backs coach at WVU in the late 1970s. He’s frequently spoken about his love for the state and its people.
Saban has also maintained ties with WVU’s leadership and is believed to have offered behind-the-scenes advice during the university’s recent head coach search, which concluded with the hiring of Rich Rodriguez.
4. WVU’s New Era Under Rich Rodriguez
In March 2025, WVU officially rehired Rich Rodriguez as head football coach. The move was endorsed by Saban, who praised Rodriguez’s coaching style and cultural fit with the university. Both coaches share a commitment to discipline, player development, and instilling a blue-collar mentality.
Former Alabama tight ends coach Michael Nysewander—who worked under both Saban and Rodriguez—has remarked on their similarities, calling them both “obsessed with detail” and “demanding, but loyal.”
5. Could Saban Return in a Different Capacity?
While a full-time return to coaching seems improbable, there has been speculation that Saban could return in a different role—perhaps as a special advisor or consultant. This would allow him to support WVU’s development without taking on the demands of a head coaching job.
Such arrangements have precedent in college football. Retired legends often stay involved in the sport through advisory roles, helping with recruiting strategy, program culture, and coach development.
According to McAfee and others close to the situation, Saban is open to this idea and has already been helping informally. His endorsement of Rodriguez may be the first visible sign of his influence.
Final Take
Though the dream of Nick Saban returning to Morgantown as WVU’s head coach is compelling, it’s not rooted in reality. Saban has repeatedly stated he’s not interested in returning to coaching and is enjoying life in the broadcast booth.
That said, his connection to the state and to WVU remains strong. He has already played a quiet but influential role in shaping the current direction of the football program, particularly through his support of Rich Rodriguez.
Under Rodriguez, WVU is entering a new chapter—one that could very well benefit from the indirect wisdom and influence of college football’s greatest coach. While fans shouldn’t expect Saban to roam the sidelines again, his presence will likely be felt in the program’s philosophy and long-term direction.
In short: Nick Saban isn’t coming back to coach WVU—but don’t be surprised if he’s helping from the shadows.
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