On a recent episode of “The Herd,” Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd ignited speculation about Nick Saban’s future by suggesting that the legendary Alabama coach may return to the sidelines and that Bill Belichick’s bold career move may have played a key role.
Belichick, an eight-time Super Bowl champion, recently accepted the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina, sending shockwaves through the football world.
Bill Belichick’s UNC Move Could Inspire Nick Saban To Take NFL Shot
Cowherd believes Saban sees Belichick’s career pivot as both inspiring and motivating. For years, Saban has been compared to Belichick, but because Saban’s dominance came in college rather than the NFL, he often doesn’t receive the same recognition.
According to Cowherd, Saban likely feels that with the right NFL opportunity, especially one involving a legitimate quarterback, he could cement himself as one of the greatest football minds in history.
During the segment, Cowherd referenced Saban’s frustrations in his final years at Alabama, particularly with how schools like Texas were outpacing the Crimson Tide in NIL fundraising.
“Bama doesn’t have those kind of boosters,” Cowherd said. “Texas does, and Nick Saban knew two years before he left college football. He was grumbling about the money that Texas and Austin was raising in their billionaire donors.”
But retirement may not be enough to satisfy someone as competitive and driven as Saban. Cowherd floated the Dallas Cowboys as the ideal landing spot, an organization craving leadership, discipline, and renewed credibility.
“This is my boldest prediction of the summer,” Cowherd said. “There are seven openings annually in this league. And by the way, just say it out loud: Saban to the Cowboys.”
Belichick’s move to UNC shows that even the most accomplished coaches can start fresh. It also reveals a possible blueprint for Saban to follow: re-enter the spotlight, tackle unfinished business, and silence critics who claim his success only works in the college ranks.
Why Saban to the Cowboys Isn’t As Far-Fetched As It Sounds
While the idea of Saban in Dallas might seem unlikely on the surface, Cowherd argued that the move makes sense for both sides. The Cowboys face internal issues, including a lack of direction and waning credibility with top-tier free agents.
At 82 years old, owner Jerry Jones is reportedly less patient than ever and could be tempted to swing big, especially if it guarantees headlines and relevance.
KEEP READING: Colin Cowherd Predicts Ex-Alabama HC Nick Saban Will Follow Jim Harbaugh to Fulfil Coaching Return
Cowherd compared the potential pairing to Jim Harbaugh joining the Chargers, a move that instantly transformed the team’s national visibility.
“Saban plus the Cowboys feels huge,” Cowherd said, highlighting how the coach’s presence would shift ticket sales, media attention, and even merchandising power.
Saban has aged remarkably well and still carries the energy and command of a sideline leader. Like Pete Carroll, he’s shown that football IQ doesn’t fade with age. And with Belichick now redefining his own legacy in college, it’s not hard to imagine Saban seizing his moment in the NFL spotlight.
“I think Saban, like Pete Carroll, feels 10 years younger and thinks like he’s 10 years younger than he is,” Cowherd said. “A lot of old guys don’t age well. Saban does.”
Cowherd made it clear that this is his boldest summer prediction. If it happens, it won’t just be a coaching change but a cultural shift.