Donald Trump Calls for Nick Saban’s Return During Alabama Graduation Speech

The 2025 graduation ceremony at the University of Alabama felt more like a big political event than a typical college send-off. That’s because former President Donald Trump showed up to speak, turning heads and raising the energy inside the arena. But he wasn’t the only special guest.

Legendary coach Nick Saban was also in attendance. The bond between Saban and Trump isn’t new. Over the years, the championship coach made several visits to the White House, and his interactions with Trump are no secret in the world of college football. When Trump got the mic, he didn’t miss a chance to praise Saban’s incredible career. But his joke about bringing Saban back to the team literally had everyone rolling in their chairs.

President Trump and Nick Saban Share Stage at Alabama Graduation Ceremony

Right before Trump took the stage in Coleman Coliseum, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban was up at the podium. Before handing the mic to the U.S. president, the Crimson Tide icon shared a humorous “Red-Button” story about their White House visit in 2018.

At first, the red button, which looked like a missile-launch button, humorously turned out to be a calling bell used to request staff to bring things in.

Donald Trump on Nick Saban: “What a great coach. Let’s bring him back. No, you have a good coach right now, though.”

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) May 2, 2025

If you didn’t know, Saban and Trump are good friends. Trump has always had a deep love for football, and Saban is the legendary coach who led the University of Alabama for 17 long seasons.

Naturally, a connection grew between them. So, when the former coach handed the mic to Trump, he also took a moment to honor his friend—and throw in a little jab, too.

Saban officially retired as Alabama’s head coach on January 10, 2024. He now works as a broadcaster with ESPN, mainly on the “College GameDay” show. However, he still consults for Alabama. But Trump couldn’t resist suggesting a comeback. “What a great coach,” Trump said of Saban. “Let’s bring him back.”

Let’s be honest—he’s not the only one who’d love to see Saban on the sidelines again. Hearing Trump call him a great coach felt good to the entire crowd. But then came the playful jab: “No, you have a good coach right now, though,” Trump added with a smile.

Was it an insult? It was not offensive in any way. But whatever it was, Trump’s playful poke at the legendary coach definitely made the mood of his speech exciting.

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Meanwhile, Saban took the comment in stride, smiling as the crowd laughed and cheered at his president’s remark. While Alabama has moved on with new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the former coach’s presence at the ceremony reminded everyone of the lasting legacy he built in Tuscaloosa.