Nick Saban splits College GameDay fans by demanding NFL-style rule to avoid Lane Kiffin repeat

Jan 1, 2026 - 21:30

Nick Saban has proposed a radical new vision for college football to end controversial mid-season coaching exits.

Lane Kiffin’s decision to jump ship just before Ole Miss’ College Football Playoff bid in order to take the LSU job caused a storm.

Saban was forced to wear a towel over his suit after forgetting his coat[/caption]

Alabama icon Saban blames the calendar, which sees programs scramble to get a head coach in place in order to take advantage of the transfer portal and early-signing day.

Speaking ahead of No. 1 Indiana’s clash with the ninth-ranked Crimson Tide at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, he proposed a new strategy in line with how the pros work.

“I don’t think there’s anybody in authority in college football except the conference commisioners so if they can’t get together on it, they’re gonna have a problem,” said the ESPN College GameDay host.

“Everybody’s gonna have their own self-interest. But unless they make the portal in May, which I’ve said before, to kind of match up with the academic calendar, change spring practice until after that, so you can get your team together and work over the summer, just like an NFL team does — they don’t have their team together until after the draft, after free agency — it’s May.

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“So, you do the same thing in college football, you wouldn’t have coaches changing jobs because everybody could finish the season with their team, which is what’s best for the players.”

Saban’s colleagues suggested he could take up a new role as college football’s version of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in order to ensure the rival conferences work together.

While NFL owners are hugely influential, a central authority helps steer decisions in the collective interest.

There would appear to be few more qualified candidates than Saban, but fans were split on social media.

“See the issue is that the academic calendar has to come first at some point the portal is in line with people who transfer out of a school to go to another one,” insisted one.

“Fixing the college football calendar and implementing on-campus playoffs isn’t about the students, fans, or atmosphere. Rather, it is ESPN’s method of corporate restructuring designed to maximize exposure, ad revenue, and total control,” added another.

Kiffin is still in line for a $1million bonus[/caption]

Carson Beck led a stunning Miami upset as another team fell victim to a CFP bye[/caption]

“Completely agree with Saban. Head coaches trying to make a national championship run shouldn’t have to also focus on players and coaches leaving at the same time,” noted a third.

“Nick Saban for College Football Commissioner,” declared a fourth in what was a popular response with many advocates.

Other fans were concerned with another schedule issue — a month-long pause for teams with a bye.

Since the 12-team playoff was introduced last season, teams with a bye — supposedly the strongest — have a 0-5 record.

That comes after No. 2 Oregon State lost to 10th-ranked Miami.

There will be a lot to discuss once the season is over, but Saban has more pressing concerns after forgetting to bring a coat despite a torrential downpour in California.