Nick Saban lists his top five picks to coach Alabama football.
Alabama football under head coach Nick Saban is synonymous with dominance, excellence, and sustained success. Since arriving in Tuscaloosa in 2007, Saban has transformed the Alabama Crimson Tide into a perennial powerhouse, securing six national championships, numerous conference titles, and consistently producing top-tier talent for the NFL. His blueprint for success has become the gold standard in college football, and as the 71-year-old Saban approaches the latter stages of his career, there is a growing curiosity surrounding the future of the program.
With Alabama’s rich history of success and the immense pressure that comes with being one of the most storied programs in college football, Saban’s departure—whenever that may come—will likely be a monumental moment in the sport. The search for a successor, someone who can maintain the Crimson Tide’s high standards and carry the torch for the next generation, will be one of the most scrutinized coaching searches in college football history.
Recently, in an exclusive interview, Saban shared his thoughts on the ideal candidates to take over the Alabama football program after his tenure. Saban’s perspective on the future of Alabama football and the qualities he values in a head coach offer valuable insight into the direction he envisions for the program. In this article, we will break down Saban’s top five picks to coach Alabama football, considering their coaching backgrounds, leadership qualities, and potential to sustain Alabama’s legacy of excellence.
1. Kirby Smart – Georgia Head Coach
The first name that comes to mind when discussing potential successors to Nick Saban is Kirby Smart, the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs. Smart, a former Alabama defensive coordinator under Saban, has had an immensely successful career in Athens, leading Georgia to national prominence and winning the 2021 national championship.
The Saban Connection
Smart’s time as Alabama’s defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2015 played a pivotal role in shaping him as a coach. Under Saban’s tutelage, Smart helped craft some of the most dominant defenses in college football history. He learned firsthand the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—all qualities that Saban instills in his teams.
When Smart took over the Georgia program in 2016, he immediately brought his Saban-like approach to Athens, focusing on elite recruiting, tough defense, and building a program that could compete at the highest level. It didn’t take long for Smart to establish Georgia as a perennial national title contender, with the Bulldogs winning the national championship in 2021, their first since 1980.
Why He’s a Top Pick
Saban has often spoken highly of Smart, calling him one of the best defensive minds in college football. Smart’s ability to recruit, develop talent, and maintain high standards of excellence make him a logical choice as Saban’s successor. His familiarity with the Alabama program and the culture that Saban has built would allow him to step in seamlessly and continue the winning tradition.
Smart’s success at Georgia, along with his deep understanding of Saban’s coaching philosophy, makes him one of the top candidates to follow in Saban’s footsteps and lead Alabama into the future.
2. Dabo Swinney – Clemson Head Coach
Another name that frequently comes up in discussions about Alabama’s future coaching search is Dabo Swinney, the head coach of the Clemson Tigers. Swinney has built one of the most successful programs in college football since taking over at Clemson in 2008, leading the Tigers to two national championships and numerous ACC titles.
The Winning Formula
Swinney, like Saban, has created a dynasty at Clemson by focusing on elite recruiting, player development, and maintaining a winning culture. Swinney’s emphasis on family and building strong relationships with players has allowed him to sustain success for over a decade. Under his leadership, Clemson has consistently competed with the best programs in the country, including Alabama, with whom they’ve had some classic national championship matchups.
Swinney’s ability to build a strong, family-oriented culture while also maintaining a high level of competitiveness makes him an ideal candidate to coach a program like Alabama. He understands the demands of being at the top of college football and has the pedigree to succeed on the biggest stage.
Why He’s a Top Pick
Saban and Swinney share a mutual respect for each other, with Saban praising Swinney for his ability to build a championship program. Swinney’s experience leading Clemson to multiple national championships and his success in recruiting and developing talent make him a natural fit for Alabama. Swinney would bring a unique blend of leadership, experience, and a proven track record of success to Tuscaloosa, making him one of Saban’s top picks to succeed him.
3. Lane Kiffin – Ole Miss Head Coach
While Lane Kiffin may be a more unconventional choice, he has emerged as one of the most successful and innovative head coaches in college football. Kiffin, currently the head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, has revitalized his career in Oxford, building a high-powered offense and turning Ole Miss into a consistent contender in the SEC.
The Alabama Connection
Kiffin’s connection to Alabama dates back to 2014 when he became Saban’s offensive coordinator. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Kiffin helped transform Alabama’s offense into one of the most explosive in the country, utilizing a balanced attack that featured a potent passing game and a strong rushing attack. Kiffin’s ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of college football and his offensive genius were crucial in Alabama’s success during his tenure.
Kiffin’s time at Alabama was marked by high-level offensive production and a more dynamic style of play that complemented the program’s already dominant defense. After his stint at Alabama, Kiffin took on head coaching jobs at Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss, where he continued to hone his skills as an offensive innovator.
Why He’s a Top Pick
Saban has expressed his admiration for Kiffin’s offensive mind and ability to adapt to changing trends in the game. While Kiffin’s personality and approach may differ from Saban’s, his success as an offensive strategist and his understanding of Alabama’s culture make him a compelling candidate to take over. If Kiffin were to return to Tuscaloosa, he would bring a fresh, modern approach to the program while still respecting the traditions and values that have made Alabama great.
Kiffin’s ability to recruit, his innovative offensive schemes, and his experience in the SEC would make him a strong contender for the job whenever Saban steps down.
4. Steve Sarkisian – Texas Head Coach
Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, is another former Alabama assistant who could be on Saban’s radar as a potential successor. Sarkisian served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2016 and 2017, where he helped guide the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2017. Sarkisian’s expertise in offensive strategy and his ability to develop quarterbacks played a key role in Alabama’s success during his tenure.
The Alabama Experience
Sarkisian’s time in Tuscaloosa was pivotal in revamping Alabama’s offense, particularly under the leadership of quarterback Jalen Hurts and later Tua Tagovailoa. Sarkisian’s ability to create an explosive offense while maintaining balance with a strong running game helped elevate Alabama’s program to new heights during his time with the Tide.
After his stint at Alabama, Sarkisian took on head coaching roles at USC and later Texas, where he has continued to build a strong program. Sarkisian’s success at Texas, combined with his understanding of Alabama’s culture, makes him a strong candidate for the head coaching position in the future.
Why He’s a Top Pick
Saban has always been a fan of Sarkisian’s offensive acumen and leadership. Sarkisian has proven himself as a capable head coach and has experience leading a major college football program. His ability to recruit top talent and build an explosive offense would be an asset to Alabama, and his familiarity with the program would make for a seamless transition.
5. Bill O’Brien – Alabama Offensive Coordinator
Finally, Bill O’Brien, the current offensive coordinator for Alabama, rounds out Saban’s list of top picks. O’Brien, who has experience as a head coach in both the NFL and college football, has helped Alabama maintain its offensive success during his tenure in Tuscaloosa. O’Brien’s background in the NFL, where he served as the head coach of the Houston Texans, has provided him with a unique perspective on coaching and developing talent at the highest levels.
The Saban-Approved Approach
O’Brien has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, including working with Mac Jones and Bryce Young at Alabama. His ability to adjust to the strengths of his players and create a well-rounded offensive game plan has allowed Alabama to stay competitive against the best teams in college football.
Why He’s a Top Pick
Saban has expressed confidence in O’Brien’s ability to run Alabama’s offense, and while O’Brien may not have the same high-profile head coaching experience as some of the other candidates on this list, his familiarity with the program and success as an offensive coordinator make him a worthy candidate. If O’Brien continues to perform at a high level, he could very well emerge as a top pick to succeed Saban.
The Future of Alabama Football
As the legendary Nick Saban continues to lead Alabama football to new heights, the future of the program is always a topic of interest. While no one can truly replace Saban’s legacy, his list of potential successors provides a glimpse into the qualities and characteristics that make a great Alabama head coach. Whether it’s Kirby Smart’s championship pedigree, Dabo Swinney’s leadership and family-first approach, Lane Kiffin’s offensive innovation, Steve Sarkisian’s understanding of Alabama’s culture, or Bill O’Brien’s familiarity with the program, each of these candidates brings something unique to the table.
Regardless of who ultimately succeeds Nick Saban, the Alabama Crimson Tide football program will remain one of the most prestigious and successful programs in college football, continuing to compete at the highest level.
