The Cleveland Browns are likely to be looking for a new potential franchise quarterback as soon as this season ends, with plenty of targets available in the 2027 NFL Draft. But that might not be the only major change coming for the organization.
In an appearance on ESPN Cleveland on Friday, insider Tony Grossi said that if head coach Todd Monken is fired after one season, his replacement could have some input regarding the potential future of general manager Andrew Berry. Then, as part of that conversation, analyst Tony Rizzo revealed an even bigger bombshell.
Rizzo dropped a wild rumor about the Browns’ front office, saying that owner Jimmy Haslam still has interest in adding legendary college head coach Nick Saban to the organization, as part of a plan that includes quarterback prospect Arch Manning.
“I have to say this because I’ve heard a lot of rumors, but I heard Jimmy is not done going after Nick Saban. Now Nick wouldn’t coach but he would have some kind of role here. And to combine him with Arch Manning. I think that stuff’s all still in play,” Rizzo said.
"I have to say this because I've heard a lot of rumors, but I heard Jimmy is not done going after Nick Saban. Now Nick wouldn't coach but he would have some kind of role. And to combine him with Arch Manning," – Rizz on the Browns and a Saban/Manning pairing 😯😯😯 pic.twitter.com/TibOCv2tgG
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 18, 2026
After taking over the franchise in 2012, Haslam reportedly wanted Saban to run the football operations and offered him a 10-year, $100 million contract to leave the University of Alabama. That interest remained alive in 2017, although Saban continually rejected Haslam’s attempts to hire him.
In the summer of 2025, FOX Sports host Colin Cowherd mentioned that Saban is close to both the Haslam and Manning families. Cowherd said he believed that if the coach were guaranteed to have a top quarterback, he would consider a return to the NFL.
Then, late last year, those thoughts perked up again after Saban joined Haslam’s brother, Bill Haslam, as a part owner of the Nashville Predators in the NHL. Saban reportedly assisted him in the interview process for a new general manager for the hockey team.
So, the connections between the Haslams, Mannings, and Saban exist. In addition, Saban has some history with the Browns, having been their defensive coordinator from 1991 through 1994 under head coach Bill Belichick. He left Cleveland to become head coach at Michigan State, and then became head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2005, where he reportedly wanted to sign Drew Brees but did not after the quarterback failed his physical.
Saban may be harboring some regrets about never succeeding as an NFL head coach, and if he were able to turn around the Browns franchise in some manner, it would be a huge addition to his legacy.
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