Despite rumors earlier this week that Alabama head coach Nick Saban could be looking to make a return to the professional ranks, one of Saban’s former players says he believes it’s unlikely to happen.
Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson played for Saban at Alabama before being drafted third overall in this past April’s NFL Draft. According to Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, Richardson can’t see his former head coach making a return to the NFL.
“I can’t see him coming to the NFL,” Richardson said. “I can see him staying at Alabama and retiring at Alabama. That’s what I can see.”
Saban had a disastrous tenure as head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2005-2006 before bolting for Alabama. He came out and flatly stated he would not be the next Alabama head coach. Soon after, he was the next Alabama head coach. It left a sour taste in the mouths of the Dolphins and seemingly burned bridges if Saban wanted to look to return the league.
Yet after winning a National Championship last season and just over two weeks away from playing Notre Dame for possibly a second straight title, it’s possible Saban could be seeking the challenge of the professional game once again. However, Richardson doesn’t see Saban leaving Tuscaloosa.
“The way he plans his game and the way they plan games is at the highest level at their level,” Richardson said. “So why would you change for that? The way he lives his lifestyle down there, the way he loves football, he loves the intensity of football and every game counts because one game, you might just be out.”
