Alabama football could remain in contention with any of these coaches

No. 5: Steve Sarkisian (Texas Head Coach)

While Sarkisian doesn't have the "he played there" or "he started there" connection to Alabama that some of the other candidates do, he definitely owes a lot to Alabama and has a serious connection there.

After a turbulent stretch in his coaching career from 2009-2015 with mixed results on the field and personal issues, Sarkisian joined the "Nick Saban coaching rehabilitation center". He was an analyst for the Tide in 2016, before returning as the Offensive Coordinator from 2019-2020.

He helped lead Alabama to one of the greatest offensive seasons ever in 2020 while they cruised to a national title. He then went to Texas, where has turned the Longhorns into a national contender who just beat Alabama this season and made it to the College Football Playoffs.

I have a hard time seeing Sarkisian leaving what he's built in Austin, but I'll say that either way, Sark is in line for a raise. Sarkisian currently has a 25-12 record at Texas, and a 71-49 record overall as a Head Coach.