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Finebaum: Kiffin 'Would Have Crawled' to Alabama After Saban Retired
Paul Finebaum believes Lane Kiffin was eager to take over the Crimson Tide program when Nick Saban stepped down.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:10pm
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According to ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was actively lobbying to become the next head coach at the University of Alabama after Nick Saban's retirement following the 2023 season. However, Alabama ultimately hired Kalen DeBoer from Washington to lead the program instead.
Why it matters
Kiffin's interest in the Alabama job highlights the prestige and appeal of the Crimson Tide program, which has been a powerhouse under Saban's leadership. Finebaum's comments also provide insight into the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that can occur during high-profile coaching searches in college football.
The details
Finebaum stated that Kiffin was the top candidate to replace Saban after the legendary coach's retirement, even before Washington's Kalen DeBoer emerged as the favorite. However, Finebaum believes Alabama's leadership, including athletic director Greg Byrne, were not keen on hiring Kiffin due to his past history with the program as an assistant under Saban.
- Nick Saban retired after the 2023 season.
- Kalen DeBoer was hired as Alabama's new head coach shortly after Saban's retirement announcement.
The players
Lane Kiffin
The former head coach of Ole Miss who was reportedly eager to take over the Alabama program after Nick Saban's retirement.
Nick Saban
The legendary head coach who led Alabama to multiple national championships before retiring after the 2023 season.
Kalen DeBoer
The Washington head coach who was ultimately hired by Alabama to replace Nick Saban as the Crimson Tide's new head coach.
Greg Byrne
The athletic director at the University of Alabama who was involved in the search for Nick Saban's replacement.
Paul Finebaum
The ESPN college football analyst who reported on the behind-the-scenes details of Alabama's coaching search after Saban's retirement.
What they’re saying
“'Dan Lanning was (the favorite) within 10 seconds of Nick Saban's retirement announcement. Dan Lanning was the betting favorite. By the next day, he was out of it because Dan landing didn't want the job. The guy that did want the job was Lane Kiffin.'”
— Paul Finebaum, ESPN Analyst
“'He would have crawled to Tuscaloosa, but Greg Byrne and others — I'm guessing Sabin was probably behind this as well. I guarantee that Nick Saban did not encourage Greg Byrne to hire Lane Kiffin at Alabama.'”
— Paul Finebaum, ESPN Analyst
“'I can absolutely confirm that Lane Kiffin was calling everyone imaginable to get him in the door. Absolute fact.'”
— Paul Finebaum, ESPN Analyst
What’s next
The matchup between Kiffin's LSU Tigers and Saban's former program, Alabama, on the first weekend of November will be a highly anticipated SEC clash with potential College Football Playoff implications.
The takeaway
Kiffin's eagerness to return to Alabama after Saban's retirement underscores the enduring prestige and appeal of the Crimson Tide program, even as it transitions to a new head coach. The behind-the-scenes maneuvering revealed by Finebaum also highlights the competitive nature of high-profile coaching searches in college football.
