Nick Saban\u2019s short-lived tenure with the Miami Dolphins remains one of the biggest \u201cwhat-ifs\u201d in NFL history. Nearly two decades later, rumors of a potential return to the league are once again swirling , with claims the legendary coach still has unfinished business.<\/p>\n
Saban spent two seasons in Miami from 2005 to 2006, compiling a 15\u201317 record before leaving for Alabama. The biggest blemish on his NFL r\u00e9sum\u00e9 came during the 2006 offseason when the Dolphins passed on signing Drew Brees due to medical concerns and instead opted for Daunte Culpepper, who was coming off a serious knee injury. Culpepper went just 1\u20133 in Miami and lasted only one season with the team. He would finish his career with 20 more starts over three seasons, going 2\u201314.<\/p>\n
The decision to pass on Brees \u2014 who went on to become a Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer with the Saints \u2014 has remained a sticking point for Saban, who has frequently referenced the role Miami\u2019s medical staff played in the decision.<\/p>\n
Now, a return to the NFL might be on the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would say, like maybe, there’s an itch he wants to scratch and maybe he wants to explore scratching in the NFL,\u201d SI’s Albert Breer said this week on The Dan Patrick Show<\/a>. \u201cI think the possibility exists that maybe he looks at it and says, \u2018If there is a situation where I can win quickly, where there’s a QB, I don’t feel completely satisfied with what happened in Miami 20 years ago.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Breer said Saban\u2019s regret over how things ended in Miami could be driving some of his curiosity. He also pointed out that expectations were high at the time.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you remember, Dan, people were picking them to go to the Super Bowl in 2006, which was his last year in Miami,\u201d Breer said.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0Dolphins predicted to replace Mike McDaniel with 7-time NCAA champion Hall of Fame coach<\/a><\/p>\n