Overview
- Interim AD Verge Ausberry told 104.5 ESPN radio there is "no way" Saban comes back to football and added that "Miss Terry's not going to let him."
- Saban recently addressed the LSU opening on ESPN's College GameDay, questioning how traditional powers fit the NIL and transfer-portal era and later clarified he has no plans to coach again.
- Shaquille O'Neal, an LSU alum, told Us Weekly he "heard through the grapevine" LSU had conversations with Saban, a claim that helped drive fresh speculation.
- LSU fired Brian Kelly on October 26 after a 5-3 start in his fourth season, and athletic director Scott Woodward resigned days later following intervention by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
- News reports continue to scrutinize finances around the change, with one outlet reporting Kelly's buyout was negotiated to $27 million.