Which Coaches Could Benefit Through the Portal from Saban’s Retirement

By Mark Pszonak

Nick Saban’s retirement from college football is a loss to the sport, but at the same time some might prosper. Here are five college coaches who are the most likely to take advantage of his retirement if Tide players enter the transfer portal:

1. Lane Kiffin

The skinny: While Kiffin immediately became a popular name to replace Saban, if he chooses to stay with Ole Miss, his aggressive recruiting approach would quickly reap benefits. He has never been afraid of going head-to-head with Alabama in the recruiting world and now smells blood in the water. This is especially true with his transfer portal recruiting, which very possibly might have some new entries considering Alabama players now have a 30-day window to enter.

2. Deion Sanders

The skinny: Sanders has taken a similar approach to Kiffin when it comes to the transfer portal, which is attack attack attack. No opportunity is overlooked and having Tide players potentially enter the portal is a huge opportunity. The Buffaloes have already added one Tide transfer during this cycle, Anquin Barnes, and would love to add a few of his friends to the 2024 roster.

3. Mario Cristobal

The skinny: Christobal has a longstanding relationship with Nick Saban, and with that a deep appreciation of what he has accomplished in Tuscaloosa. The Canes added three Tide transfers last year, most notably offensive linemen Javion Cohen, and have been linked with a few of the current available transfers. Any players who enters would get a very long look from the Canes.

4. Sonny Dykes

The skinny: Dykes made a splash in the portal during the last portal cycle by adding Trey Sanders, JoJo Earle and Tommy Brockermyer from Alabama. While they have yet to add any Tide players this year, it always helps when there are familiar faces on the roster.

5. Mike Norvell

The skinny: While the Seminoles enjoyed a special season in 2023, they are in the process of overhauling their roster after the loss of several key players to the NFL. To help this, just in the last week they added Alabama transfers Malik Benson and Earl Little. Norvell would be more than happy to add even more if the opportunity arises in the coming weeks.