Nick Saban just keeps winning titles and, as a result, everyone in Tuscaloosa has to be thrilled with his performance. With that said, the already legendary head coach is 66 years old and, with every passing season, it would presumably become more likely that Saban could be on his way out, either through a jump to the NFL or simply to retirement with full knowledge that he has accomplished everything at the college level.
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With that in mind, the next coach at Alabama isn't necessarily an active thought but it has long been rumored that Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney could be a candidate. That comes with the territory given that Swinney both played and coached in Tuscaloosa but, in response to that theoretical, Clemson AD Dan Radakovich told The State that he is "ready" should Alabama come calling.
"That's not something that I think about every night when my head hits the pillow, but certainly whether it's in football or basketball or baseball or any of our sports, as an AD, you have to be ready for some of those things that may come down the path."
Radakovich went on to say that he believes the program has been able to "demonstrate to Dabo that you can get to the highest level right here at Clemson" and, given the presence of a national title, that seems spot-on. Still, there will always be a certain level of fear when one's alma mater is involved and, until Swinney actually spurned an overture from the good folks at Alabama, this will be a lingering thought.
Given his dominance, Nick Saban can write his own ticket for an exit in Tuscaloosa but, when he leaves, expect Swinney's name to come up... even if Clemson is prepared to battle.
