Could Nick Saban return to NFL?

Back in 2006, there was much to do about the Miami Dolphins inquiring about Drew Brees as well as Daunte Culpepper.

The story goes that then-head coach Nick Saban wanted to sign Drew Brees, but the doctors were wary of Brees’ health. So Miami signed Culpepper and the rest shall live in infamy.

But that’s not the news here. Saban recently went on ESPN and said he might still be in Miami if he were allowed to signed Brees.

It’s hard to argue that fact. Brees could have made any coach look better, but would he have been the same quarterback without the influence of Sean Payton in New Orleans?

Saban remains a sore subject for Miami Dolphins fans to this day due to the nature in which he left the organization and the turmoil wrought during and after his tenure.

However, with rumors swirling that Saban’s time in Alabama may be coming to an end coupled with a potential desire to return to the NFL, do these words mean he’s looking to resume a coaching career in the pros?

One rumor is that Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano has one last chance to get the team to the Super Bowl and if he does not, then owner Jim Irsay may call upon Saban to fix the team and, chiefly, the defense.

Let’s also not forget that in Miami, it’s do-or-die time for Joe Philbin. If Philbin doesn’t get the job done this season, could Saban return to the Dolphins?

Many just rolled their eyes or punched a hole through their computer screens.

It seems unfathomable that Saban would leave the top of the college football mountain in Tuscaloosa to go back to a league where he floundered, got into screaming matches with Hall of Fame linebackers, and left in disgrace.

But time heals all wounds and if Saban’s pride demands he finish what he started in the NFL then he very well could be back in the league this time next season.

Where? Who can say? But he’ll likely want an established quarterback. Like PFT speculated, Andrew Luck fits that mold. But after this season, Ryan Tannehill could be seen as one as well.

Would a Saban return to Miami be a PR nightmare? Yeah, probably. But let’s also remember that owner Stephen Ross loves to go after the shiniest toy. The biggest name.

He did it with Ndamukong Suh, Mike Wallace, and Branden Albert in the player department. While he’s struck out with the biggest name coaches like Jim Harbaugh and Jeff Fisher. And if Saban were to leave Alabama, he’d be the biggest name out there.

Ross doesn’t have the bitter aftertaste of Saban’s tenure in Miami and should things go wrong for Philbin this season, crazier things have happened.