Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 2 - The Return of Nick Saban?
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction
In the second hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the discussion centers around the pivotal question: Is Nick Saban considering a return to Alabama or possibly the NFL? The conversation delves deep into the financial dynamics of college football, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations on coaching contracts, and the broader implications for the sport's future.
Financial Shifts in College Football
Jason McIntyre initiates the conversation by highlighting the cyclical nature of sports, comparing past baseball dynasties to current college football powerhouses. He references a recent poll by On3, revealing how spending in college football is reshaping competition:
"According to a recent poll featuring NIL collectives, GMs, agents, and administrators, here's who's spending money in college football and that's what you gotta do to win. Texas is number one, Texas Tech has a billionaire donor who went big this year, Ohio State is three, Oregon four, A&M and Miami five, Michigan six, South Carolina seven, USC is about 18 million now, Tennessee nine, and Auburn ten."
[05:30] - Jason McIntyre
This financial influx has placed traditional powerhouses like Alabama outside the top spenders, raising questions about their ability to maintain dominance.
Nick Saban's Future: College or NFL?
The crux of the discussion revolves around Nick Saban's potential career moves. Jason McIntyre expresses skepticism about Saban returning to Alabama, citing financial constraints:
"I don't think he's coming back to Alabama. I don't think he's coming back to college football. I do believe the NFL hires seven new coaches a year, and I think he brings instant credibility to anywhere he goes."
[06:15] - Jason McIntyre
Rob Parker supports this view, emphasizing the financial impossibility for Alabama to afford Saban's return:
"With the NIL now, it's almost impossible to roll fire a coach with four years left on his contract because these guys are all making 10 million now, 40 million, and then you're gonna have to pay Nick 80 to 100 million for five years. It's not going to happen."
[44:53] - Rob Parker
Urban Meyer adds depth to the conversation, discussing Saban's competitive nature and potential interest in NFL opportunities:
"Nick is a competitor, and I think he'd do very well. He's doing a great job on game day, and I know Mark Ingram and him play golf together. But he's a competitor, and he needs to be challenged."
[08:43] - Jason McIntyre
Impact of NIL on Coaching Contracts
The introduction of NIL has significantly altered the financial landscape for college football coaches. Jason McIntyre argues that NIL protections might inadvertently safeguard coaching staffs, limiting Alabama's flexibility:
"I think NIL actually Urban protects the staff. You probably get a year or two more than you used to."
[13:32] - Jason McIntyre
Rob Parker concurs, noting that institutions with substantial NIL commitments might struggle to reallocate funds effectively:
"This is one of those moments. I think you're absolutely right that you're going to see teams start to drop sports. Where is this money coming from?"
[14:19] - Rob Parker
Comparing Coaching Legends
The conversation shifts to comparing Nick Saban with other legendary coaches like Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll. Jason McIntyre underscores Saban's unparalleled success and influence:
"Nick's never failed at anything. Right. He's been good. And at Miami, things a little unsettling."
[06:43] - Jason McIntyre
Rob Parker highlights the potential synergy between Saban and NFL's elite quarterbacks, suggesting that Saban's expertise could translate well to professional coaching roles:
"If Nick Saban can get that kind of position where he believes that this is a Hall of Fame, future Hall of Fame quarterback or a world champion quarterback, the more I'm thinking he's going to take that call."
[08:52] - Rob Parker
Quarterback Dynamics in the NFL and College
The panel also explores the evolving role of quarterbacks in both college and the NFL. Jason McIntyre questions the viability of college quarterbacks making seamless transitions to the professional level:
"In the NFL, it's almost feels like it's a quarterback-driven league, does it not?"
[08:10] - Jason McIntyre
Rob Parker emphasizes the importance of surrounding a quarterback with strong offensive support to ensure their success at the next level:
"I think if they surround him with great players, I think he'll be successful. But there's a lot of question marks about JJ McCarthy because of what you just said."
[09:57] - Rob Parker
Notable Player Discussions
The episode also touches on standout college players and their potential futures:
- JJ McCarthy: Debated as a talented yet unproven quarterback.
- Jaden Daniels and Drew Allar: Highlighted as promising talents with varying degrees of readiness for the NFL.
- Jeremiah Smith: Discussed as Ohio State's top receiver with immense potential.
Jason McIntyre shares his enthusiasm and skepticism regarding these players, reflecting on their college performances and future prospects.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, the panel reiterates the improbability of Nick Saban returning to Alabama amidst the current financial constraints and shifting dynamics introduced by NIL. Instead, they envision Saban leveraging his coaching prowess within the NFL, potentially elevating any team fortunate enough to secure his expertise.
Jason McIntyre concludes with a strategic outlook:
"Saban is the best college coach ever. He's a superstar broadcaster, and it's a great quarterback draft. Keep your eye on Cleveland with Nick Saban and I think, yeah, he's a huge donor to Tennessee."
[48:49] - Jason McIntyre
The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between coaching legacies, financial investments, and player development in modern college football, all through the lens of one of the sport's most influential figures.
Notable Quotes
-
Jason McIntyre:
"I don't think he's coming back to Alabama. I don't think he's coming back to college football."
[06:15] -
Rob Parker:
"Nick's not coming back for a year. Even if he retires early, he wants a 5-year no cut deal at 15 million a pop."
[44:53] -
Urban Meyer:
"Nick is a competitor, and I think he'd do very well. He's a competitor, and he needs to be challenged."
[08:43] -
Jason McIntyre:
"I like him. But there's some skepticism out there about it."
[10:00]
This episode offers listeners a deep dive into the future trajectory of one of college football's most storied coaches, set against the backdrop of an evolving financial and competitive landscape.