In an absolute bombshell, Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban retired on Wednesday. It was an unforeseen development that shocked the college football world. In 17 seasons in charge of Alabama, Saban captured nine SEC titles and six national championships. Saban is the greatest coach to ever grace the college ranks.
Throughout Saban's 17-year tenure with the Crimson Tide, Alabama had more players drafted in the first round (44) than it had losses (29). Every player that spent four campaigns under Saban's rule won a National Championship. That’s unprecedented success.
Nonetheless, the Crimson Tide program is forced to usher forward. Good luck to the next guy in charge. We've identified three potential candidates to be Saban's successor.
DAN LANNING, OREGON HC
Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning is currently viewed as the heavy favorite to succeed Saban and it's easy to understand why. Lanning possesses a direct connection to the program, serving as a graduate assistant under Saban in 2015. Lanning later cut his teeth under another Saban protege, working under Kirby Smart at Georgia in various roles. Lanning won a National Championship as Georgia’s defensive coordinator in 2021.
Lanning spread his wings by becoming Oregon's head coach in 2022. The North Kansas City, Missouri native led the Ducks program to back-to-back 10-win campaigns, nearly capturing a Pac-12 title this season. Lanning appears primed to fill Saban's void in Tuscaloosa.
STEVE SARKISIAN, TEXAS HC
Alabama is the lone program that could put forth a valiant effort to pry Steve Sarkisian away from Texas. The Crimson Tide decision-makers had a front-row seat to Sarkisian's greatness this past season—the Longhorns defeated Alabama 34-24 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Week 2. Having not yet officially joined the SEC, Texas became the first non-conference team to beat Alabama at home in 16 years. That victory was crucial to Texas earning its first College Football Playoff berth under the current format.
Sarkisian has also enjoyed two separate stints at Alabama, first as interim offensive coordinator in 2016 and second as the full-time coordinator in 2019-20. Sarkisian has restored the Texas program to annual prominence. If hired by Alabama, he could enjoy similar success by ensuring the program maintains its reputation.
KALEN DEBOER, WASHINGTON HC
Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer was arguably college football's most impressive leader in 2023. DeBoer inherited a flailing program in 2021, coming off a 4-8 season. DeBoer immediately restored respect, leading Washington to a dominant 11-2 showing in 2022.
This season, DeBoer's Huskies went 14-1, including a perfect 9-0 record within the conference, culminating in a Pac-12 title. Washington rightfully earned a spot in the College Football Playoff as a result and defeated Texas in the Sugar Bowl before losing to Michigan in the National Championship Game. The Huskies reached the playoffs just once before.
DeBoer appears capable of taking Washington from Cinderella underdogs to perennial contenders. DeBoer's been at Washington for just two seasons, but if he feels prepared to take another step, he could be interested in the Alabama vacancy.
