When LSU fired head football coach Brian Kelly last week after four seasons that fell short of expectations, speculation immediately began swirling about who might lead the Tigers next. But one of the program’s most famous alumni — NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal — already has his dream candidate in mind: none other than Nick Saban.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Shaq revealed he’d “heard through the grapevine” that LSU had engaged in tentative conversations with the seven-time national championship coach about a possible return to Baton Rouge.
“I heard through the grapevine that they were having conversations with Nick Saban,” O’Neal said. “That’d be awesome if we can bring Nick back.”
Of course, fans shouldn’t get their hopes up just yet. Saban, now two years into retirement and enjoying life as an ESPN analyst, has repeatedly said he’s not interested in returning to the sidelines — not even for his old team.
“You know, I want to stay retired,” Saban told The Pat McAfee Show on Oct. 24. “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.”
Now 74, Saban stepped away from coaching in early 2024 after a legendary 17-year run at Alabama that produced six national championships. But LSU fans — and Shaq himself — haven’t forgotten where his dynasty truly began. Saban’s first national title came in Baton Rouge in 2003, during his third season with the Tigers. His tenure from 2000 to 2004 remains one of the most successful chapters in LSU football history.
Following Saban’s departure to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and eventual move to Alabama, LSU went on to win two more titles under Les Miles and Ed Orgeron — both in their third seasons, a streak that ended under Kelly.
Kelly’s dismissal on Oct. 26 marked a turning point for the Tigers, whose 2024 season ended without a major bowl appearance. For O’Neal, who remains fiercely loyal to his alma mater, the next hire is critical to bringing the program back to its championship standard.
“We’re just gonna sit and see who they choose,” said O’Neal, who starred for LSU basketball from 1989 to 1992. “I know it will definitely be a winner and I know it’ll be somebody that’s in line with our culture. I know it’s somebody who’s going to bring us back to winning. We realize if you lose more than two games, we don’t get a significant bowl game.”
While Saban has shown no indication he’d trade his analyst chair for a headset, Shaq’s wish reflects what many LSU fans are feeling — a longing for the glory days when the Tigers ruled college football. And if anyone can dream big enough to make it happen, it’s the Big Aristotle himself.