Nick Saban to the Dallas Cowboys: That’s Colin Cowherd’s Bold Prediction — But Is It Realistic?
When it comes to bold sports takes, few personalities rival Colin Cowherd. The FOX Sports host is no stranger to stirring up debates, and his latest prediction is no exception: Nick Saban, the legendary former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach, could make his return to coaching—but this time, not in college. According to Cowherd, Saban might resurface in the NFL, and specifically with “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys.
It’s a headline-grabbing idea, for sure. But is it anything more than a hot take? Could Saban, now 72 years old and officially retired from college football, actually find himself patrolling the sidelines in Dallas? Let’s take a closer look at the theory, the logic behind it, and whether this scenario holds any real-world weight.
—
### The Colin Cowherd Take
During a recent segment on his show *The Herd*, Colin Cowherd pointed out what he sees as an increasingly untenable situation for Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy. While McCarthy has led the Cowboys to playoff appearances, he has yet to silence critics who question his ability to win big games. With expectations sky-high in Dallas every season, it’s only a matter of time before the franchise, led by owner Jerry Jones, decides to make another high-profile coaching move.
That’s where Cowherd brings Nick Saban into the conversation. He argues that Saban, with his proven track record, leadership gravitas, and unparalleled football mind, would be the type of figure that could command instant respect in the Cowboys’ locker room and potentially deliver the Super Bowl success that has eluded Dallas for nearly three decades.
Cowherd also notes Saban’s previous ties to the NFL and his coaching past with the Miami Dolphins. Despite his brief and unsuccessful stint there, Cowherd believes the time and circumstances are now different—offering Saban a shot at redemption on football’s biggest stage.
—
### Saban’s History with the NFL
Nick Saban’s NFL history isn’t long, but it’s worth examining. Before his legendary tenure at Alabama, he served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2005 to 2006. His two seasons were lackluster—he posted a 15-17 record and failed to reach the playoffs. Most famously, the Dolphins passed on signing quarterback Drew Brees due to concerns over Brees’ shoulder, a decision that drastically altered the futures of both Miami and Saban himself.
After the 2006 season, Saban left the Dolphins to take over at Alabama. What followed was arguably the greatest coaching career in college football history: seven national championships, a 201–29 record at Alabama, and a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Despite his success in the college game, many have always wondered: what if Saban had stayed in the NFL? Would he have eventually figured it out? Would he have been the same dominant figure at the pro level?
—
### Why the Cowboys?
The idea of Saban going to any NFL team is already speculative, but Cowherd singles out the Cowboys for a few reasons:
1. **Prestige and Power**: The Cowboys are one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises. If Saban were to return to the NFL, it would only be for a team with national relevance and championship potential. Dallas fits that mold perfectly.
2. **Jerry Jones Factor**: Jones has never shied away from making bold moves. Bringing in a coaching legend like Saban would be a classic Jerry headline-grabber, and it could also be seen as a way to shift the narrative and reinvigorate the franchise.
3. **NFL-Ready Roster**: The Cowboys have a solid core of talent—Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott, and others—so the job wouldn’t require a rebuild. Saban would step into a team ready to compete, theoretically making the transition smoother.
—
### But Is It Realistic?
As intriguing as the idea is, the reality is more complicated.
1. **Saban’s Retirement Is Likely Permanent**: By all accounts, Saban’s decision to retire from coaching appears genuine and final. He’s stepped into a comfortable analyst role with ESPN, contributing to college football coverage and enjoying a much slower pace than the 24/7 grind of coaching.
2. **Control Issues**: One of the main reasons Saban didn’t succeed in the NFL the first time was his frustration with not having full control over personnel decisions. In Dallas, Jerry Jones famously keeps a firm grip on roster moves. It’s hard to imagine Saban agreeing to a job where he isn’t the ultimate decision-maker.
3. **Age and Legacy**: Saban is 72 years old. Taking over a high-pressure NFL job would be incredibly demanding, especially for someone who’s already cemented his legacy. Would he risk it all for one more run? Highly unlikely.
4. **Dallas Already Has a Coach**: While Mike McCarthy is on the hot seat, he hasn’t been fired. Unless the Cowboys fall apart this coming season, McCarthy is likely safe for now. Even if he were let go, there would be many other younger, more NFL-experienced candidates available.
—
### Final Thoughts
Colin Cowherd’s prediction makes for compelling television, but in the real world, the chances of Nick Saban coaching the Dallas Cowboys—or any NFL team—seem incredibly slim. The stars don’t quite align. Saban’s retirement appears sincere, and even if he had the itch to return, the structural limitations of working under Jerry Jones would likely be a dealbreaker.
Still, the idea isn’t entirely outlandish. Saban’s unmatched football mind, his leadership qualities, and his past NFL experience make him a tempting hypothetical. And in the unpredictable world of the NFL, stranger things have happened.
But for now, fans will have to be content with Saban’s insights from the broadcast booth rather than the sidelines. His days of prowling the football field may be behind him—but the legend of Nick Saban continues to cast a long shadow over both college and pro football.
Leave a Reply