TUSCALOOSA, Ala. —Alabama Football Legendary coach Nick Saban is returning to the University of Alabama, this time as Senior Coaching Advisor to head coach Kalen DeBoer for the 2025 season. The announcement, made by Alabama Athletics on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, marks a new chapter for the Crimson Tide and one of the most storied coaches in college football history.
Saban, who retired in January 2024 after a 17-year tenure as Alabama’s head coach, is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time. During his time leading the Crimson Tide, he secured six national championships (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020) and nine SEC titles, transforming Alabama into a powerhouse that dominated the sport.
His career record of 292-71-1, including 201 wins at Alabama, places him among the elite in college football history. Now, Saban will lend his unparalleled expertise to DeBoer, who took over as head coach in 2024 following Saban’s retirement.
“I’m thrilled to return to Alabama in this new role,” Saban said in a statement. “The University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa community will always be home to Terry and me.
I look forward to supporting Coach DeBoer and this program, helping our players succeed on and off the field, and continuing to build on the legacy of Crimson Tide football.”
Saban’s role as Senior Coaching Advisor will involve strategic input, player development, and mentoring the coaching staff, though he will not be involved in day-to-day on-field coaching.
Alabama Athletics Director Greg Byrne emphasized Saban’s value to the program. “Coach Saban’s experience, leadership, and vision are unmatched,” Byrne said. “Having him back in an advisory capacity is a tremendous asset for Coach DeBoer, our players, and the entire program. His presence will elevate our pursuit of excellence.”
Kalen DeBoer, who led Alabama to a 9-3 record in his debut season in 2024, expressed enthusiasm about working with Saban. “Coach Saban is a legend, and his insights will be invaluable as we strive to compete for championships,” DeBoer said. “His process-oriented approach and commitment to player development align perfectly with our goals. I’m grateful for his willingness to contribute to our program.”
The announcement comes amid speculation about Saban’s potential return to coaching, fueled by comments from former Alabama players like Greg McElroy and Damien Harris during SEC Media Days.
McElroy, a former Crimson Tide quarterback, hinted on WJOX radio that a “very much in-the-know” source believed Saban was not done with coaching. While Saban’s new role is advisory rather than a return to head coaching, it signals his continued passion for the game and Alabama football.
Saban’s retirement in 2024 was partly attributed to frustrations with the evolving landscape of college football, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and the transfer portal. In an ESPN College GameDay appearance, Saban noted challenges with player motivations, citing concerns over playing time and compensation. His return as an advisor suggests a desire to influence the program’s direction while adapting to the modern era of the sport.
Beyond his on-field success, Saban’s legacy at Alabama includes academic achievements and community impact. Since 2007, Alabama football players have earned 656 degrees, including 103 master’s degrees.
The Nick’s Kids Foundation, co-founded with his wife, Terry, has donated over $14 million to support children’s causes, including the Saban Center, a STEM and arts education hub in Tuscaloosa.
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