FS1’s Colin Cowherd revealed his theory that the Cleveland Browns would be interested in adding Arch Manning and Nick Saban.
Colin Cowherd: Arch Manning, Nick Saban, And The Cleveland Browns
During Wednesday’s edition of The Herd, Cowherd swapped out his role of sports host for that of a detective.
According to Cowherd, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has strong ties to the Manning family and would love to have Arch as his next quarterback. Cowherd believes it’s the “worst-kept secret in the South” and not a conspiracy theory.
“Haslam, Jimmy, owner of the Browns, huge SEC Tennessee booster, leans heavily on the Manning family,” Cowherd said on Wednesday’s show.
Haslam is also close to Saban, the most decorated college football coach, who now works for ESPN.
“Saban is incredibly close to not only Jimmy Haslam, but Saban’s close to the Manning family as well,” Cowherd added.
Cowherd claimed that Saban would “take a phone call” to coach in the NFL if he could walk into a situation with a top quarterback. For example, Jim Harbaugh left the Michigan Wolverines for the Los Angeles Chargers and inherited quarterback Justin Herbert.
“So this is not a conspiracy theory, OK?” Cowherd reiterated during the segment. “The circle of trust for Jimmy Haslam is the Manning family and Jimmy Sexton [Saban’s agent]. Sabans, Manning, Haslam, South. That’s what I’ve said.”
Cowherd added, “This story is a poorly kept secret.”
Would Nick Saban Return To Coaching?
"The thirst that Jimmy Haslam has for Arch Manning is UNMATCHED," – @TheRealTRizzo has heard that the Browns owner LOVES him some Arch.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/vEdI9j21Ww
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 21, 2025
Because of Haslam’s relationship with the Manning family, it makes sense that the Browns’ owner would view Arch as a top quarterback. If the Texas quarterback is as good as he’s projected to be, then he will be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft.
Last week, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy revealed that a source told him Saban “will coach in college football again.”
Saban’s daughter, Kristen, later refuted the claim.
However, Urban Meyer believes Saban would entertain the NFL if the right opportunity presented itself. Saban struggled as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2005 to 2006 before jumping to Alabama. Meyer believes the chance to right his wrong in the NFL might be appealing for Saban.
Two more important things. The Browns are projected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL, which would put them at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The other thing is that Manning might play at least two years at Texas, meaning he wouldn’t begin his NFL career until 2027.
