Saban Ua — Nick Saban thanks fans after a game during his final season at Alabama. (University of Alabama Athletics)

It only took one year of being on television for rumors of Nick Saban’s return to coaching to begin.

While Saban has made no indication of returning to the sideline, the speculation is not a surprise. Even though he seems to be enjoying his job at ESPN, people still think he has some coaching left in the tank.

And while there may have been rumblings before, the rumors got a lot more traction this week at SEC Media Days, thanks to some recent comments—one from former assistant coach Lane Kiffin and another from former quarterback Greg McElroy.

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Here’s what they had to say:

“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, they seem to think Nick Saban is not done coaching. He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again.”
Greg McElroy, ESPN analyst

McElroy went on to say he personally believes Saban is finished with his coaching career but Kiffin seemed to share at least some thoughts with the unnamed “in-the-know” person.

“I wouldn’t be surprised. I kind of thought it would happen after one year. And I say just because of even seeing recent stuff with him, and talking with him on the phone. First off I have no knowledge that he’s coming back, I don’t think anybody does. He’s so sharp still. I almost feel like it’s a waste that he’s not, no disrespect to the media and what you guys do. But his ability to coach players and change lives, he’s so good at it. I just think he’ll be back, whether that’s NFL or college.”
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss head coach

Later in the day on the Paul Finebaum Show, Kiffin joked that it is “malpractice” for Saban to not be in coaching.

Kalen DeBoer reacts

Deboer E1724349387298 — Kalen DeBoer is halfway through his first full recruiting cycle at Alabama. (University of Alabama Athletics / Facebook)

Of course, once those rumors started spreading, somebody was bound to ask current Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer about a potential Saban return.

And while DeBoer didn’t give a clear answer on if he believes his predecessor would return to the sideline, he did give Saban praise for his current role both on College Gameday and with the university.

“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.”
Kalen DeBoer at SEC Media Days

DeBoer led the Tide to a 9-4 record in his first season in Tuscaloosa but Saban remains at least somewhat involved with the program. The seven-time national champion coach has an office at Bryant-Denny Stadium and he’s been included in several recruiting visits.