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11h ago

LSU Interim AD and Kirk Herbstreit Dismiss Talk of a Nick Saban Return

Public denials refocus LSU's coaching search on other candidates.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 25: (L - R) Nick Saban and Kirk Herbstreit during ESPN's College GameDay at Vanderbilt University on October 25, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach Brian Kelly of the LSU Tigers converse during pregame warmups at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 01: Lane Kiffin of the Mississippi Rebels before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Interim athletic director Verge Ausberry said there is "no way" Nick Saban is coming back, calling any chatter a joke and emphasizing the retired coach is not returning to football.
  • Kirk Herbstreit stated on his Nonstop podcast that Saban is "not going anywhere," saying you couldn't pull him off the College GameDay desk and that he is enjoying retirement.
  • Saban recently addressed the rumors on College GameDay, questioning whether traditional jobs like LSU have adapted to NIL and transfer‑era realities and indicating he has no plans to coach again.
  • Shaquille O’Neal told Us Weekly he "heard through the grapevine" LSU had conversations with Saban, a claim that fueled speculation but remains unverified by Saban or LSU officials.
  • LSU’s search continues after firing Brian Kelly on Oct. 26 and the resignation of AD Scott Woodward, with the vacancy drawing widespread interest and outside speculation about potential candidates.