What do you do when your all-time great coach retires randomly? You have to assume that the athletic department had some insight into Nick Saban deciding to retire from the head coaching position of the Alabama Crimson Tide, but what is next?

In the past, it was assumed that Dabo Swinney would be the sure fire replacement of the 7-time national champion coach in Tuscaloosa (winning 6 of his 7 during his Bama tenure). However, recently Dabo has fallen from graces as the Clemson head coach has struggled to find success following Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence’s time at Clemson. Alabama students have been chanting “anyone but Dabo” outside of Bryant-Denny Stadium tonight following the retirement.

So where does Alabama go now?

Dan Lanning – Oregon Ducks Head Coach

Dan Lanning spent 2015 as a graduate assistant under Saban at Alabama, and according to Saban himself was offered a job on his staff again – however Lanning had already accepted a position to join Kirby Smart’s staff at Georgia in 2018. Since then, Lanning has spent time as Georiga Defensive Coordinator – winning the 2022 National Championship against none other than…Nick Saban.

Lanning has the largest buyout of potential replacements at $20 million dollars, however a program like Alabama won’t shy away from a buyout to get their next 20 year guy.

Lane Kiffin – Ole Miss Rebels Head Coach

Similar to Dan Lanning, Lane has a history at Alabama. After being fired on the tarmac at USC, Lane would go onto lead the Tides’ offense and helping the team win the 2015 CFP National Championship and reach the 2016 (eventually winning) before leaving before the game to become the head coach at Florida Atlantic University.

Since his time at Bama, as said above Lane has spent time at FAU and currently at Ole Miss, where he has turned the Rebels program into a respectable SEC team through his precense on social media and ability to recruit to “The Sip”. Lane has had his share of head coaching experience at high profile programs and in the NFL (LOL), but I am not sure of the culture fit in Alabama.

Steve Sarkisian – Texas Longhorns Head Coach

Following in Lane Kiffins footsteps, Steve Sarkisian spent time as USC’s head coach before joining Saban’s staff and helping them win the 2016 National Championship (taking over the OC role when Lane left for FAU). Following his season at Alabama, Sarkisian would be the Atlanta Falcons OC for 2 seasons, before returning to Alabama once again to be the offensive playcaller. Now, after 2 years at 3 seasons at Texas and bringing the program back to relevancy this season… it would make sense that Alabama kicks the tires on the Longhorns Head Coach, and not just for him.

Arch Manning also happens to be on roster in Texas, and maybe he could bring him with him.

Dabo Swinney – Clemson Tigers Head Coach

This is the hire.

Alabama Alumni, 2-time National Champion, 8-time ACC Champion, Top Notch Recruiter. What else is Alabama looking for?

It is literally in Dabo’s contract that any school other than Alabama has a certain buy-out amount, and Alabama has one that is higher. Clemson themselves knew that Dabo was the next in line when Saban left, and now it’s the time. Who cares what the student’s want right now, when Dabo comes in and picks up right where Saban left off, they will be chanting his name for different reasons.

Others Who Could Have A Slim Chance:

Kalen DeBoer – Washington Husky’s Head Coach: He just lead the Husky’s to the National Championship game and has made Washington a place to be. Would he be a good fit in the SEC? no.

Marcus Freeman – Notre Dame Fighting Irish Head Coach: Freeman took over as the locker room’s pick when Brian Kelly left for LSU. He has had moderate success at Notre Dame, but then again who doesn’t when you aren’t in a conference.

Some Interesting Possibilities, Although Unlikely:

Demeco Ryans – Houston Texans Head Coach: Alabama alumni who has found success early in his coaching career in the NFL, would Alabama take a gamble on him? He has no college coaching experience.

Bill O’Brien – New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator: Another former Alabama coordinator, O’Brien had success during his time as Penn State’s leading man before making the jump back to the NFL as the head coach of the Texans. Although his time in Houston is tainted with interested decision making toward the end, O’Brien has ample experience in both the college and pro ranks.

Beyond Unlikely:

Brian Daboll – New York Giants Head Coach: Yet another Alabama Offensive Coordinator, does he see the writing on the walls on his time in the Big Apple and get out before the door closes?

Mike Norvell – Florida State Head Coach: People will throw his name around, and he has a history of winning at multiple programs, however he isn’t the “high profile” coach that Alabama will be after to replace the greatest of all time.

Not Even A Chance, So Stop Talking About It:

Deion Sanders – Colorado Buffaloes Head Coach: 4-8 after 3-1 start at Colorado, LMAO. Stop talking about it, he’s just a name – not a good coach.

My Rankings of Who I Would Hire:

1. Dan Lanning
2. Dabo Swinney (this is who will get hired)
3. Steve Sarkisian
4. Lane Kiffin (love you Lane, stay at Ole Miss)

It’s going to be an exciting time in Tuscaloosa!

Till Next Time,
Trevor