Why Nick Saban’s Careful Word Choice Has Dolphins Fans Panicking

Why Nick Saban’s Careful Word Choice Has Dolphins Fans Panicking originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Nick Saban refuses to slam the door shut on his coaching future, leaving NFL executives wondering if the greatest coach of this generation might return to the sidelines. The 73-year-old Alabama legend's recent Fox News appearance has reignited speculation about Mike McDaniel's position at the Dolphins.

During his Friday morning Fox News interview, Saban delivered his trademark wit when pressed about returning to coaching. "I never really ever had a thought about getting back into coaching until two days ago," he joked. "Miss Terry said I had to run the sweeper in the entire downstairs. While I was running the sweeper, the thought occurred to me: 'When you were coaching, you had a heck of a lot better job than this.'"

The speculation intensified when former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy cited a "notable" source claiming Saban will return to coaching. Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel finds himself squarely in the crosshairs, with multiple analysts predicting his termination if the team fails to deliver playoff success.

Saban's tumultuous two-year stint with Miami from 2005-2006 ended poorly, partly because the organization infamously passed on Drew Brees due to medical concerns. However, coaching legends rarely accept mediocrity as their final chapter. Lane Kiffin believes Saban's competitive fire burns too bright for permanent retirement.

While Saban stated "there is no opportunity that I know of right now that would entice me to go back to coaching," his careful wording leaves wiggle room. The phrase "right now" suggests circumstances could change, especially if the perfect opportunity emerges with a franchise quarterback and championship-caliber roster ready for immediate contention.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.