Courtesy of Star Tribune
Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide have dominated college football for the past six years. Saban came to Alabama after an unsuccessful stint with the Miami Dolphins, where he went 15-17 in two seasons. Many saw him as the savior of Alabama football before being hired, and that’s exactly what he’s done with a record of 76-13, three championships, and the production of 14 first-rounders in the NFL Draft. However, is Saban looking into coaching elsewhere?
According to his agent, Jimmy Sexton, the only team Saban would consider leaving for is the University of Texas. This comment undoubtedly brings a lot of confusion to both Alabama and Texas. With Alabama on the verge to another BCS Championship appearance, why would Saban let his agent say such a thing?
If Saban is looking for more money, it certainly does make sense for the move. Texas is the nation’s wealthiest program and would be able to put more money on the table.
After Sexton told reporters of a possible Saban move, Alabama gave raises to its assistant football coaches. Most notable is Kirby Smart, the highest paid assistant coach in the nation. Smart has done a remarkable job constructing one of the best defensive teams in the nation. Many say that he has the ability to be a head coach, but with the stability at Alabama, it’s unlikely he would leave for another team.
Courtesy of ESPN
The bigger question is, will Mack Brown step down as coach if Saban indeed wants to coach at Texas? Brown, has a combined record of 153-45 with one championship win. After losing to Alabama in 2009, Brown has gone 28-18 (including a 6-2 start to 2013). That’s a winning record, but fans in Austin want championships.
I honestly can’t see Brown stepping down, which means Texas will need to fire him. Brown recently said that he wants to retire a Longhorn, but with a new athletic director in the fold, Brown’s job security isn’t promised.
Texas also, in many people’s opinions, has a better fan base than Alabama’s. Saban asked fans to remain at games to cheer on the team, even if it’s a blowout. He also explained that when recruits come to visit, they like to see enthusiasm in the stadium. From a recruiting standpoint, it certainly makes sense that Saban is pondering the idea of coaching at Texas.
Texas is the number one recruiting state for football, which means that Saban would virtually own that state. Texas is the most perfectly located and supported program in college football; Saban would be a perfect fit there.
However, here is when I spurn all of the rumors.
Even with all of the rumors and Saban’s big mouth agent; Saban will remain in Alabama. I’ll break it down for you guys.
Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
Nick Saban is 62 years old, yes not 52, but 62 years old. He’s already left four teams, one of those being an NFL team. He coaches the best team in the country and is able to bring in the best recruiting class year in and year out. For the age he’s at and the job security he has at Alabama, it would be foolish of him to leave.
Nick Saban will remain at Alabama until he retires. He will win at least two more championships and his legacy will be forever remembered. No coach has been as dominant the last five years as Saban.
To all of the nervous Alabama fans out there, please chill out. Saban won’t be going anywhere for a long time but it’s important that fans give Saban a reason to stay.
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