Sen. Nick Saban, R-Ala.?

Paul Finebaum contends it’s a no-brainer for the federal government and the state of Alabama.

“I think coach Saban would be a slam dunk,” Finebaum told AL.com, who reached out for a reaction to Saban and President Donald Trump attending the University of Alabama’s graduation ceremony. “Immediately, he would be among the best known and influential individuals in Congress which would greatly enhance the state of Alabama.

“It would be a huge benefit to college football to have the greatest coach in history representing the sport at its most critical moment.”

Trump announced last week that he would be giving a commencement address to the university’s graduating class of 2025.

On Tuesday, the school announced that Trump will be joined by Saban.

“I have asked him about public office in past, and he has always said no,” said Finebaum, who has also made the idea that Saban should run known on “The Paul Finebaum Show.” “But this feels like a different moment in time. I believe he will be with the one person who could have the most influence tonight – other than Miss Terry – and that is the President.

“Can you imagine if President Trump mentioned it at the commencement? I believe the crowd would go wild.”

Finebaum points to former Auburn coach and U.S. Sen Tommy Tuberville’s name being tossed around for Alabama governor. The timing, he says, seems right.

“I have some friends in DC who have occasionally run this by him, but it was never the right time,” Finebaum said of Saban. “He was either coaching or Tuberville was going to run again. That’s all changed now, and I feel certain they are in the process of trying to convince him now is the right time.

“Another advantage is his relationship with President Trump. That could pay huge dividends for Alabama.”

Saban, 73, now a college football analyst for ESPN’s “College GameDay,” certainly is no stranger to Washington, leading a panel on NIL last year.

Finebaum is convinced Saban could win as a Democrat, an independent or as a write-in candidate, “but in Alabama, running as a Republican is probably the smartest route.”

Saban has avoided politics, except in support of his childhood friend U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who has just retired after 12 years.

Still in 2020, when Trump spoke in support of Tuberville’s U.S. Senate run in 2020, he mentioned Saban in his remarks, even if he called him “Lou Saban.”

“One of the challenges to public office is running and raising money,” Finebaum said. “That would be a breeze here. He would clear the primary field the moment he declares.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.