5 Potential Candidates To Replace Nick Saban At Alabama
Nick Saban broke the internet today when he announced he was retiring from the University of Alabama. While we should celebrate the career of the greatest College Football coach of all time, it also begs the question of who will be replacing him. In this article, we will be going over, what I believe, are the top five candidates to replace Saban at Alabama.
Dan Lanning, Oregon:
The first name on the list of potential Nick Saban replacements is Dan Lanning. Lanning was the defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia from 2019-2021, so he has SEC experience. He has done a phenomenal job with Oregon since he took over the position, and a trip back to the SEC at one of the top programs in the country has to be tempting. He turned Bo Nix into a potential first-round pick, so there is no limit to what he can turn Jalen Milroe into.
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss:
Next up on the list is an SEC name in Lane Kiffin. I think this one might be a little more difficult to pull off seeing that Kiffin just signed an extension in December of 2023, but never say never. Kiffin has working experience with Nick Saban at Alabama, so a reunion could be in the works. Kiffin has done a great job at Ole Miss reviving his coaching career and has the Rebels as an early favorite in the SEC. Kiffin could be a fairly seamless transition from Saban.
Kalen DeBoer, Washington:
This one might be the most unrealistic, seeing that Kalen DeBoer’s style is not what Alabama is known for. However, if the Crimson Tide wanted to flip the script and become an offensive powerhouse, I don’t think there’s a better coach out there than DeBoer. DeBoer should be applauded for the job he did with Michael Penix Jr., turning him into a potential top prospect. DeBoer should be getting NFL looks this off-season, but if Alabama comes calling to replace Nick Saban, it will be hard to ignore the call.
Kyle Whittingham, Utah:
One name that for some reason doesn’t get talked about enough is Utah’s Kyle Whittingham. Whittingham has Utah as a top team in the Pac-12 every single year, and always has a very solid defense, something Alabama is known for. Whittingham does a great job of getting the most out of his players, and if he is able to recruit in the SEC, he could absolutely crush it. Whittingham would be an underrated signing to replace Nick Saban at Alabama.
Mike Norvell, Florida State:
The last name on the list of guys who could replace Nick Saban would not have to move very far. I think Mike Norvell is among the top head coaches in the country, and he has shown this during his tenure at Florida State. Norvell has turned the Seminoles into championship contenders (even if they were snubbed this year, argue with your computer desk) and that should be applauded. Norvell has recruited well in the south, and with Alabama attached to his name he could keep the Crimson Tide on top.
