LSU’s search for a new head football coach has entered its second week after the firing of Brian Kelly, who spent four seasons leading the Tigers. As speculation continues to swirl, one of the school’s most famous alumni, Shaquille O’Neal, has added fuel to the conversation.
In an interview with US Weekly, the NBA Hall of Famer and LSU legend claimed he’s “heard through the grapevine” that the Tigers have had preliminary talks with Nick Saban about a possible return. Saban, who won a national championship at LSU before his historic run at Alabama, remains one of the most respected names in college football.
O’Neal’s comments immediately reignited debate among fans and analysts, given Saban’s current role as an ESPN analyst following his retirement. While no formal confirmation has surfaced, the idea of Saban returning to Baton Rouge has added another layer of intrigue to an already high-profile coaching search.
“I heard through the grapevine that they were having conversations with Nick Saban,” the 53-year-old O’Neal told Us Weekly in an exclusive interview. “That’d be awesome if we can bring Nick back.”
Of course, Saban now two years into his post-retirement role as an ESPN analyst has made it clear he has no plans to return to coaching, even for LSU. Still, that hasn’t stopped Tiger fans and prominent alumni like Shaquille O’Neal from fueling speculation that a comeback could happen.
“You know, I want to stay retired,” Saban said Oct. 24 on The Pat McAfee Show. “I do not want (agent Jimmy Sexton) anywhere near Miss Terry. Because when she hears some of these numbers, she gets interested. And I’m not interested.”
The 74-year-old Nick Saban stepped away from coaching in early 2024 after a remarkable 17-year run at Alabama, where he captured six national championships between 2007 and 2023. Before his legendary tenure in Tuscaloosa, Saban led LSU from 2000 to 2004, winning his first national title in 2003 before departing for a brief, unsuccessful NFL stint with the Miami Dolphins.
LSU officially parted ways with Brian Kelly on Oct. 26 following four underwhelming seasons that produced no championships a stark contrast to his predecessors. The previous three head coaches, Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron, each captured national titles by their third year leading the Tigers.
Shaquille O’Neal isn’t the only one floating Saban’s name as a possible replacement. Former ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay recently speculated that LSU might attempt to lure Saban and his wife, Miss Terry, back to Baton Rouge with an irresistible offer.
Still, most insiders consider those rumors to be purely speculative. Saban has repeatedly expressed satisfaction with his post-coaching life and television role, making a return to the sidelines especially at LSU highly unlikely for the seven-time national champion.
LSU officially parted ways with Brian Kelly on October 26 following four underwhelming seasons in Baton Rouge. During his tenure, the Tigers failed to capture a championship a stark contrast to the success of his three predecessors, Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron, who each delivered a national title by their third year.
Meanwhile, speculation about LSU potentially targeting Saban has circulated. Former ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay even suggested the Tigers might present Saban and his wife, Miss Terry, with an offer too good to decline. However, for now, those rumors remain purely speculative.
In the meantime, O’Neal seems content to observe how LSU’s coaching search plays out even though he clearly has a preferred candidate in mind.
“We’re just gonna sit and see who they choose,” said O’Neal, who starred for the Tigers basketball program from 1989 to 1992. “I know it’ll definitely be a winner, and I know it’ll be somebody who fits our culture. It’s gonna be someone who brings us back to winning. We realize that if you lose more than two games, we don’t get a significant bowl game.”
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