Kirby Smart: Nick Saban returns in '26 only if wife OKs

Rumors of a certain former Alabama coach coming out of retirement next season sparked many reactions, but surprise was not one of them when Georgia coach Kirby Smart first heard Nick Saban could return to the sidelines in 2026.

"I called and offered him (Will) Muschamp's (analyst) job, but he was overqualified," Smart said at SEC Media Days on Tuesday of his old boss at Alabama, who retired with six national championships in 17 seasons with the Crimson Tide in January 2024.

Saban worked as an analyst for ESPN and appeared on "College GameDay" last season while the Bulldogs were fighting their way into another SEC title game.

Smart, defensive coordinator under Saban in Tuscaloosa at the end of his time on the Alabama staff (2007-15) before taking over at Georgia, said he "almost laughed" when he first heard former Tide quarterback Greg McElroy fire up the rumor mill on Monday with the suggestion Saban would coach after this season. Not because it's unrealistic for the 73-year-old to take another job, but relationship dynamics might take the call out of his hands.

"Make no mistake about it -- the boss at home (Saban's wife, Terry) is going to make that call for him, not him," Smart said with a chuckle.

Smart isn't the only Saban associate speculating on the coach's comeback.

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who worked for Saban as offensive coordinator (2014-16), said he suspected that the coaching legend would do a prompt U-turn after announcing retirement plans.

"I kind of thought it would happen after one year," Kiffin said.

--Field Level Media