The LSU Tigers parted ways with former head coach Brian Kelly in October following a 5-3 start to the 2025 college football season. During his tenure at LSU, the former Notre Dame head coach compiled a 34-14 record. However, Kelly's team did not qualify for the College Football Playoff, nor did they win the SEC title.

"I heard through the grapevine that they were having conversations with Nick Saban," O'Neal told Us Weekly. "That'd be awesome if we can bring Nick back." Saban, 74, led LSU from 2000-04, capturing a national championship before departing for the NFL.