Football coaches can also achieve big things outside of football. Paul Finebaum, a renowned college football analyst, has declared his support for Nick Saban, the legendary former Alabama football coach, for a potential career in U.S. politics.
How is this possible, and is Saban thinking of switching? Following the retired coach’s appearance alongside U.S. President Donald Trump at the University of Alabama’s commencement ceremony, fans are curious if he would ever switch careers.
Paul Finebaum Suggests Nick Saban Could Replace AL Sen. Tommy Tuberville
Tommy Tuberville, one of Alabama’s two senators, hasn’t always been in politics. Before donning the signature politician “suit and tie,” he led the Auburn Tigers from 1999 to 2008.
He hails from Alabama but coached several other teams besides the Tigers, including Cincinnati, Texas Tech, and Ole Miss. He was named the 2004 Coach of the Year during his coaching days, but has since transitioned into politics.
Tommy Tuberville assumed office as a senator on January 3, 2021, a position he holds to this day.
Recently, though, there have been reports in the news that Tuberville is considering giving up his seat in the Senate and running for Governor. If he makes the move, a replacement would be needed for him.
As such, Paul Finebaum suggests that Nick Saban, another retired football coach, would be his perfect replacement.
While speaking on Jox 94.5, a Birmingham, Alabama-based radio station with hosts Greg McElroy and Cole Cubelic, Finebaum was asked what he thinks about Tuberville and Saban discussing the possibility of an NIL-focused executive order with Trump.
“If what is about to happen happens, and that means Tommy Tuberville announces he’s giving up his seat to run for governor, I don’t think there’s a better person to take that spot than Nick Saban. And I think by doing so, he would literally represent college athletics in Washington, and I think something would finally happen.”
Nick Saban coached for 28 seasons, compiling a 292–71–1 career record (80.4%). He retired as the NCAA’s active leader in wins and won seven national championships — the most titles in FBS history.
“He’s the most important football coach of all time, and this is the most important moment in the history of college athletics. I think even though he would be one of 100, he could do a lot of great work, and I don’t think it would be that difficult for him to get the nomination or get elected [in Alabama].”
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Saban has been more politically active recently, but there are no indications that he is ready to dive into politics full-time. A West Virginia native, he usually kept his political opinions to himself while at Alabama. But it is a long-running rumor that he is a registered Democrat, a claim backed by his support for Democrat candidates and Democrat-based bills.
Saban notably didn’t publicly endorse either candidate in the most recent U.S. election. However, if entering could benefit college football, many might be prepared to support him, regardless of political party.
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