Nick Saban’s retirement sent shockwaves across college football. After nearly two decades of dominance at Alabama, his exit marked the end of an era. Under Saban, the Crimson Tide became the gold standard of the sport.
Recruits didn’t just choose Alabama for the program, they chose it to play for Saban himself. His leadership, discipline, and record of developing NFL-caliber talent made him the most influential figure in modern college football.
Among those deeply impacted by his retirement was five-star quarterback Julian Sayin. The California native had enrolled early at Alabama, eager to learn under Saban’s system and continue the Tide’s winning tradition.
But the sudden news of Saban stepping down changed everything for him. He had committed to Alabama with the belief that Saban would guide his early development. When that foundation shifted, so did his plans.
“Once we got back, it was like, season’s over, this is the meeting to start next season, I guess, right? A reset. [Saban] just came in and I was shocked,” Sayin said on the Downs 2 Business podcast. I felt like the players were shocked, too. We were pretty shocked about it, and when he retired…it was pretty wild.”
“We had like one day of class before, it was our first day of classes like that Tuesday, and then the meeting was Wednesday,” he added.
Imagine moving into your freshman dorm… and a few days later, your head football coach retires. 😲
That’s exactly what happened to Julian Sayin at Alabama. 👀 pic.twitter.com/WCZ21FKmjt
— Downs 2 Business (@downs2business) October 29, 2025
Sayin soon entered the transfer portal, seeking a situation that aligned with his original goals. That search led him to Ohio State, a school with a proven track record of producing top-tier quarterbacks and explosive offenses.
Nick Saban’s Name Resurfaces as LSU Searches for Brian Kelly’s Replacement
LSU is once again at the center of a high-profile coaching hunt following Brian Kelly’s exit. The Tigers are determined to get it right this time, and naturally, some of the biggest names in college football have already been linked to the opening. Among them, the most surprising name to emerge is Nick Saban.
Analyst Paul Finebaum suggested that while Saban is unlikely to take the job, he might at least listen if LSU reached out. The idea alone has fueled speculation across the college football world. Saban’s history with the Tigers adds to the intrigue.
“I don’t think Nick Saban would take it. Nick Saban wouldn’t talk to Penn State. He wouldn’t talk to Florida. But I think he would talk to LSU,” Finebaum said on The Rich Eisen Show. “At least to see what they have to offer, and by the way sometimes you can come back and make an offer that even a man who will be 74 years old on Friday night, on Halloween, might consider.”
He coached LSU from 2000 to 2004, delivering the program’s first national championship of the 21st century before moving to the NFL. After a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins, Saban returned to the college ranks and turned Alabama into a dynasty.
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