Nick Saban to Retire; Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Impact?

Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is reportedly retiring after 16 seasons in Tuscaloosa.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The college football world came to a screeching halt on Wednesday afternoon, as ESPN's Chris Low reported via social media that Alabama coach Nick Saban is retiring after 16 seasons of leading the Crimson Tide.

"Nick Saban is retiring, sources tell ESPN. He won six national titles at Alabama." -- Low via X (formerly Twitter).

Low quickly followed up his report with another post confirming that Saban has told his players.

Butch Dill, USA TODAY

"Saban just informed his team that he’s retiring." -- Low via X.

This news obviously turns the college football world upside down and leaves Alabama in a very interesting position just before the playoffs are set to expand to 12 teams. The Tide are now looking for a new "Sideline CEO" and one of the names that will likely come up as the coaching search commences is Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin.

How Much Did Lane Kiffin Earn in Bonuses During 2023 Season?

Kiffin was Alabama's offensive coordinator from 2014-16 under Saban and has been pegged as a potential future coach in T-Town ever since he was hired by Ole Miss in 2019. 

Now that Kiffin has built Ole Miss into a playoff contender, would he leave for the position most fans and experts believe he has been waiting on? Kiffin signed an extension with Ole Miss at the conclusion of the regular season, and he is set to make $8,850,000 as his base salary in 2024.