The news of Nick Saban’s decision to retire as the head coach of the Alabama football program is still fresh, and the world is still reacting.
However, it is not too soon to get serious about the future. With Saban gone, what had been a long lingering question now moves to the forefront: Who replaces the GOAT?
There’s no word on who potential candidates might be, aside from some short lists from national media that predictably include the biggest names in the sport. However, there may not even be a need for a list of candidates.
Wide receiver Marquis Maze, who played for the Crimson Tide from 2008-2011, wrote in a post on X that he would find it hard to believe the program wouldn’t have someone lined up to take over. For good measure, Maze claims to already know who the coach is, but can’t disclose it.
One thing I know for sure he isn’t leaving the program in a bad space, that’s just the type of man he is, I’m sure his staff and everybody was prepared for this. Somebody already in place to be the coach, I already know who we got but I can’t tell yall just yet 🤫
— Marquis Maze (@Mazeboy4) January 10, 2024
Maze is not alone.
Ryan Brown and Jim Dunaway of “The Next Round,” argue that a potential replacement might already be in Tuscaloosa or on his way there shortly. Both agree it would be shocking if the program did not already have Saban’s successor lined up by the time this news went public.
“I am being told, by someone very reliable, that Dan Lanning will be the first person that would have the opportunity to say no to this job.
There is some believe that Dan Lanning may be in Tuscaloosa either as we speak or before the night is over…”@AlabamaFTBL… pic.twitter.com/LVPR9Uw00n
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) January 10, 2024
There are no reliable reports of the University of Alabama having a predetermined coach already in place, but it seems unfathomable that the greatest coach to ever walk the sidelines of a college football field would step away from the game and his program without having a succession plan in place.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football as the search for a new head coach to replace Saban unfolds.
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