2 weeks Ago By Andrew Hughes
On SI’s Schuyler Callihan doesn’t believe any rumors connecting Nick Saban to West Virginia warrant any serious thought for the Mountaineers fanbase. Saturday Blitz’s Peter Bartell warned fans not to be surprised if Saban is back in his home state coaching in 2025. Callihan called it “so unrealistic.
” “I normally wouldn't address something like this because it's so unrealistic, but you'd be surprised by how many people have messaged me over the last few days asking about the validity of these rumors,” Callihan prefaced before saying, “I'm well aware that the majority of the fanbase never took this seriously, but this is for those who did. “I understand why the connection is being made, and it's not really a new thing. In the past, Mountaineer fans always joked about Saban coming back to West Virginia to turn the program around.
Now that he's "available" in terms of not being under contract with Alabama or another school, somehow, that leads some to believe that he is a phone call away from getting the job. That's not the case whatsoever.” Callihan’s sentiment all boils down to current WVU head coach Neal Brown being way too expensive to get rid of just yet.
Many programs across the country are feeling that burn. Some, though, like Texas A&M and Auburn, haven’t shied away from making a needed switch. Neal Brown’s job safe if West Virginia can get to seven wins The Voice Of Motown’s Clark Johnson didn’t exactly promise long-term stability for Brown.
Johnson believes seven to eight wins for the 4-4 Mountaineers will keep West Virginia’s head coach in Morgantown. “If WVU can finish at 8-4, or even 7-5, one could assume that Brown’s job will be safe heading into 2025,” Johnson prefaced before saying, “That would notch his second straight winning-season with the Mountaineers, and give the program momentum moving forward once again. At that point, it may even be irresponsible for athletic director Wren Baker to make a change as it could potentially mean decimating the roster through the transfer portal.
” If Brown is replaced, Saban would need a historic contract offer to give up his office at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Saban may never be able to coach again unless it’s at Alabama for all we know. Brown has high expectations if Johnson is to be believed, though.
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