As the West Virginia Mountaineers football program faces a critical crossroads, rumors have begun swirling that athletic director Wren Baker is engaged in serious negotiations with legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban regarding a potential replacement for current head coach Neal Brown. While the story is still developing, these reports have sparked intense speculation within the college football community. If true, it would be one of the most consequential moves in the history of the program.
Neal Brown’s tenure at West Virginia has been a turbulent one. After taking over as head coach in 2019, Brown’s teams have shown flashes of promise but have struggled with consistency. While the Mountaineers have been competitive in the Big 12, they’ve yet to break through and contend for a conference title, leading to increasing pressure on Brown’s job security. As the 2024 season enters its final stretch, many observers believe that the university might be seeking a fresh direction, and there is a growing sense that Brown’s time in Morgantown may be nearing an end.
Enter Nick Saban, who has, of course, built one of the most dominant programs in college football history at Alabama. Saban’s name has long been linked to any major coaching vacancy, given his unparalleled track record of success. However, the possibility of Saban leaving the SEC powerhouse is an unlikely and bold proposition—one that would be a huge shock to the sport. That said, the rumors about a potential shift to West Virginia are beginning to gather traction.
Wren Baker, the Mountaineers’ athletic director, is no stranger to high-stakes decisions. Since taking over the AD role in 2022, Baker has demonstrated a willingness to take bold actions to elevate West Virginia’s athletic program. His successful hiring of head basketball coach Bob Huggins and improvements to the university’s sports infrastructure have earned him a reputation as someone who is not afraid to make big moves. With West Virginia’s football program at a critical juncture, it is no surprise that Baker might be seeking a coach with a proven track record of sustained success and national prominence.
Saban, who will turn 73 in 2024, is at the tail end of his illustrious career at Alabama. Though Saban has repeatedly emphasized his commitment to the Crimson Tide, there has been speculation that he could look for a new challenge as he enters the twilight of his career. A move to West Virginia would be a dramatic change of pace, and one that could spark intrigue across the college football landscape. While Alabama’s dominance has been unchallenged for much of Saban’s tenure, the opportunity to build a legacy at a program like West Virginia—one with passionate fan support, a unique conference identity, and a need for revitalization—could be an enticing proposition.
However, any potential deal would come with a number of challenges. First, it would require significant financial resources. West Virginia would need to offer a lucrative contract, both in terms of salary and support staff, to convince Saban to leave the comforts of Alabama. Additionally, there are the logistical hurdles involved in shifting from one of the most powerful football programs in the nation to one in transition.
West Virginia would need to ensure that Saban’s demands—whether it be recruiting support, facilities, or staff retention—are met, especially if they hope to entice a coach of his caliber. Furthermore, Saban’s potential arrival would likely cause a ripple effect in the college football coaching world, with ripple impacts on Alabama’s staff, recruiting efforts, and national expectations.
As negotiations continue, the future of West Virginia football hangs in the balance. Should Wren Baker succeed in convincing Nick Saban to take over the program, it would be a monumental shift in the college football landscape, both for the Mountaineers and for the broader football world. Fans are eagerly watching, hoping for a turning point that could restore their program to its former glory, and perhaps even bring it to new heights under Saban’s leadership.
