Nick Saban Agrees to Contract with Alabama!

[admin]

DAVIE -- The Nick Saban coaching era with the Dolphins has ended.

A source said Wednesday morning that Saban has agreed to become the new head coach at the University of Alabama, ending his two-year tenure with the Dolphins.

A source said Saban failed to show this morning for a scheduling meeting at team headquarters in Davie with Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga. Saban told Huizenga of his intentions via telephone and then informed all of his coaches by speaker phone that he was leaving to accept the Alabama position, the source said.

SOURCE

Also see this story about it.

And finally, the ESPN report!

ROLL TIDE!!!

[marc]

Interestingly, both Saban and Rich Rodriguez are from Marion County, West Virginia (as is our current governor, who both campaigned for).

[s1n4m1n]

I'll believe it when I hear it from the horse's mouth.

But, if true, Mal Moore delivered on his promise to hire a proven head coach with a proven winning record, though it cost Bama an arm and a leg. If we don't play in a NC game within three years people are going to be up in arms.

Ken

[Cross-titled]

Why is it so important to play a game in North Carolina?

[s1n4m1n]

NC = national championship

har har

[spurly]

Bob Stoops will like this deal.  His contract says that he will be paid one cent more than the next highest paid coach in college football.

[kanham]

This is going to cause a giant ripple in the coaching world as far as pay goes.

Alabama = desperate.

They had giant egg on their face because no one wanted one of the most prestigious jobs from a history point in the country. What a slap in the face. They had to bribe a guy who already said no to their job.

I can't wait to the other coach to sit down with the high school kid and say well you know he gave his word in Miami that he wasn't going to leave and look what happened? Are you ready to be at Alabama for two years when he makes his next move?

It seems Alabama has a problem hiring character. That seems to say a lot about their program.

What does LSU think about this? Interesting to see how that goes when the season hits.

[s1n4m1n]

It seems Alabama has a problem hiring character. That seems to say a lot about their program.

Mike Shula appeared to be a class act all around. The problem was that Mal Moore said he was going to hire a proven head coach with a proven record. Unfortunately, most of those type coaches are busy this time of year in the playoffs or preparing for bowl games.

If he really had to let him go, Mal should have at least kept Shula till after the bowl game. Otherwise you force the coaches your after into situations that almost compel them to dissemble.

Ken

[Bon Voyage]

In a coupla years Saban will leave Alabama for more money.  Have fun while it lasts.

[Bon Voyage]

I was listening to "The Herd" on Espn Radio this morning, and the host was talking about Mrs. Saban's alleged dislike for living the Miami lifestyle, and he made a few remarks about the lifestyle in Tuscaloosa.

1.  A steam bath in Tuscaloosa is when the hot water heater explodes.

2.  A pedicure in Tuscaloosa is when a dog comes up and licks your feet.

[Weeble]

First as an LSU fan, I don't care.  My coach is Les Miles, a great recruiter, the only coach to lead LSU to back to back 11 win seasons, and handled the Hurricane disaster with grace and class. 

Secondly about what Cowherd said, this is the same man who got divorced because his wife refused to let a stripper teach her how to make a man happy.  Boy that's who I want to take advice from!

[rick6886]

In a coupla years Saban will leave Alabama for more money.  Have fun while it lasts.

Saban is a mal content, he will last 3 years tops before they run him out of Tuscaloosa. People act like he is inheriting a great program. Lets look at the facts:

Alabama has 1 SEC title and 1 BCS appearance (both in 1999) in the last 14 years.  In the past 4 years they have had one winning season (2005). They were a mere 2-6 in the SEC this year, the 2 wins were 3 point home wins over highly touted SEC powerhouse programs Vanderbilt and Ole Miss. Alabama has been mediocre for more than a decade now.

Alabama alumn are not shelling out 32 million for 7-5 records and Texas Bowl appearances. Which is probably where Alabama will be in Sabans third and final year. I say they go 5-7 in each of his first 2 years, then in his 3rd year after going 7-5 he will resign and someone else will coach Alabama in the Texas Bowl... Saban probably ends up back at Michigan State where the expectations are real low...

my humble 2 cents

Rick

[rick6886]

First as an LSU fan, I don't care.  My coach is Les Miles, a great recruiter, the only coach to lead LSU to back to back 11 win seasons, and handled the Hurricane disaster with grace and class. 

Secondly about what Cowherd said, this is the same man who got divorced because his wife refused to let a stripper teach her how to make a man happy.  Boy that's who I want to take advice from!

Your boys looked good tonight, in fact it begs the question if Jamarcus Russell (who looked tremendous tonight) comes out does he get taken ahead of Brady Quinn (who has yet to look good in a game that really matters)?

my humble 2 cents

Rick

[kanham]

Saban punctuated weeks of denials with this declaration two weeks ago: "I'm not going to be the Alabama coach."

[Cross-titled]

In a coupla years Saban will leave Alabama for more money.  Have fun while it lasts.

... Saban probably ends up back at Michigan State where the expectations are real low...

my humble 2 cents

Rick

OK, Gary,

Your turn!

[marc]

Considering that Mich. St. Just hired a coach who hadn't exactly been doing a bang-up job at Cincinnati, I'm not sure there is a valid rejoinder.

[peck]

 The fans were screaming for Shula's dismissal...Mal wasn't to blame..We all loved Mike and gave him our confidence...but..alas..He's not the kind to get in the face of his coaches and players to demand their best..4 years and no progress...patience wore out..best quarter back in years..plenty of talent...but it looked like we were gonna be in for more of the same ol coaching next year....Mike lost us..

Nick talks a good game...with motivating tone of voice and the willingness to do what it takes to put Alabama back to where they belong....If he can't do it ...Who can...Nick just may become the next Bear..

Peck

[Bon Voyage]

Nick won't be there long enough to be the next Bear.

[Bon Voyage]

And I love the treatment that Franchione got from the Alabama crowd for leaving before his contract was up, and nothing is wrong about Saban doing it.

[Dennis]

I guess this means I am not needed?

[Cross-titled]

This is going to cause a giant ripple in the coaching world as far as pay goes.

Alabama = desperate.

They had giant egg on their face because no one wanted one of the most prestigious jobs from a history point in the country. What a slap in the face. They had to bribe a guy who already said no to their job.

I can't wait to the other coach to sit down with the high school kid and say well you know he gave his word in Miami that he wasn't going to leave and look what happened? Are you ready to be at Alabama for two years when he makes his next move?

It seems Alabama has a problem hiring character. That seems to say a lot about their program.

What does LSU think about this? Interesting to see how that goes when the season hits.

Boy!  If ever a post on the SPORTS side of this forum deserved manna, this one does!  Enjoy!

[marc]

How much is the buy-out on Saban's contract?  The Steelers' job's open now, and that's his home turf....

[admin]

This is going to cause a giant ripple in the coaching world as far as pay goes.

Alabama = desperate.

They had giant egg on their face because no one wanted one of the most prestigious jobs from a history point in the country. What a slap in the face. They had to bribe a guy who already said no to their job.

I can't wait to the other coach to sit down with the high school kid and say well you know he gave his word in Miami that he wasn't going to leave and look what happened? Are you ready to be at Alabama for two years when he makes his next move?

It seems Alabama has a problem hiring character. That seems to say a lot about their program.

What does LSU think about this? Interesting to see how that goes when the season hits.

Then someone else said that Saban would leave Alabama soon for  "more money."

Hmmm...what most people fail to realize is that Saban took a pay cut to come to Alabama. That's right. A half of a million dollar a year pay cut. Based on sources who would know, Saban contacted Alabama with interest after the Mississippi State loss (a truly embarrassing moment). The reason Alabama is paying him this much is so that other teams won't go after him. They want stability in the program with a proven winner.

Saban (and even his wife) said that he was committed to Miami until he began to see the writing on the wall and realize that he was a better college coach than NFL coach. They have both said that his next stop after Alabama will be retirement.

Furthermore, Saban has always wanted to coach at Alabama. In his own words from years ago, he has modeled himself (from a coaching standpoint) after Paul "Bear" Bryant and, in fact, has kept a bust of Coach Bryant in his office for years. He wanted the job when Bama hired Mike Dubose instead. So in many ways, Saban has finally gotten his dream job--to coach at the most storied program in college football history (and maybe football in general).

[Bon Voyage]

This is going to cause a giant ripple in the coaching world as far as pay goes.

Alabama = desperate.

They had giant egg on their face because no one wanted one of the most prestigious jobs from a history point in the country. What a slap in the face. They had to bribe a guy who already said no to their job.

I can't wait to the other coach to sit down with the high school kid and say well you know he gave his word in Miami that he wasn't going to leave and look what happened? Are you ready to be at Alabama for two years when he makes his next move?

It seems Alabama has a problem hiring character. That seems to say a lot about their program.

What does LSU think about this? Interesting to see how that goes when the season hits.

Then someone else said that Saban would leave Alabama soon for  "more money."

Hmmm...what most people fail to realize is that Saban took a pay cut to come to Alabama. That's right. A half of a million dollar a year pay cut. Based on sources who would know, Saban contacted Alabama with interest after the Mississippi State loss (a truly embarrassing moment). The reason Alabama is paying him this much is so that other teams won't go after him. They want stability in the program with a proven winner.

Saban (and even his wife) said that he was committed to Miami until he began to see the writing on the wall and realize that he was a better college coach than NFL coach. They have both said that his next stop after Alabama will be retirement.

Furthermore, Saban has always wanted to coach at Alabama. In his own words from years ago, he has modeled himself (from a coaching standpoint) after Paul "Bear" Bryant and, in fact, has kept a bust of Coach Bryant in his office for years. He wanted the job when Bama hired Mike Dubose instead. So in many ways, Saban has finally gotten his dream job--to coach at the most storied program in college football history (and maybe football in general).

His college money is guaranteed, not so with the NFL money.  And with the incentives he will make more.

[Weeble]

Based on sources who would know, Saban contacted Alabama with interest after the Mississippi State loss. 

What Sources Lee? Internet rumors are not creditable sources

Saban (and even his wife) said that he was committed to Miami until he began to see the writing on the wall and realize that he was a better college coach than NFL coach.

The Dolphins owner was committed to giving him the chance to turn it around. The only writing was from the Miami sports writers

They have both said that his next stop after Alabama will be retirement.

He said that 2 years into the LSU job as well

Furthermore, Saban has always wanted to coach at Alabama. In his own words from years ago, he has modeled himself (from a coaching standpoint) after Paul "Bear" Bryant and, in fact, has kept a bust of Coach Bryant in his office for years.

Where do you find that there was a bust of Bear in his office while at Michigan State and LSU?  And even if there was how does that prove that he wanted the Bama job?


Come on Lee, you can't make blanket statements like that.

[admin]

Weeble,

My sources are not from an Internet rumor. They are from a person who knows Mal Moore--a board of trustees member. Directly from the "horse's" mouth.

The Dolphins owner may have been committed to giving him the chance to turn it around, but Coach Saban did not like the environment of coaching arrogant pros who didn't put it all on the field.

You asked where I found that there was a bust of Coach Bryant in his office? An ESPN interview from when he was at Michigan State.

Next answer: He publicly stated his interest in the Alabama job before we hired Dubose and before he went to LSU. He was on the "short" list. The powers that be made a terrible mistake and thought Saban was too young and inexperienced. 

[kanham]

I don't know why but this really sets me off.

The guy said he wasn't going and then he went and all we can say is everyone is doing it?

I tried that one on my parents when I was a kid and it seemed that they expected something more from me. I am not claiming that Alabama is a Christian school or should be held to Christian standards but when believers applaud then I must confess that I don't get it.

I suppose the fact that we voted Republican and appose abortion means that it doesn't really matter as long as our team wins.

[spurly]

Why don't these coaches just put their cards on the table and say - "I am considering all options, including the coaching position at ____________"?  Why do they have to lie?

[Weeble]

Lee,

   I know lots of people who are boosters and know Mal Moore as well, and everyone has a different story. Who called who, when was the call made, Did Mal's wife spend a day shopping with Nick's wife and they made the decision?  Did Nick want to leave LSU to go to Alabama but there was the whole Mike Shula thing happening at the time? Who knows for sure.

   You can have Saban, but please realize that he is a very flawed individual and will not be the savior of your ball team.  He is 0-1 against UAB and barely hovering around .500% verse Auburn. 

   Also in a show of class the University of Alabama is introducing your new coach at Monday nights Basketball game.  Do you know who they are playing Monday night? 

LSU! Boy they are overflowing with class.

[OkiMar]

Why don't these coaches just put their cards on the table and say - "I am considering all options, including the coaching position at ____________"?  Why do they have to lie?

Agreed.  Their denials are just silly.  If you don't want to answer, just say, "I refuse to talk to the media until after this season has ended."

[coachk]

Seems odd that one would repeatedly deny that they were taking their "dream job".  Someone also made the point about Francione.  Funny how Francione, and even Tuberville ("I'm not leaving Ole Miss") received such harsh treatment from Alabama fans when they did the same thing Saban did, but now they welcome him with open arms.   I guess it's acceptable when it works in you're favor.

[OldDad]

In a coupla years Saban will leave Alabama for more money.  Have fun while it lasts.

2012 - 2007 = 5.

Hey Gary, is that more than a couple?

[OldDad]

   You can have Saban, but please realize that he is a very flawed individual and will not be the savior of your ball team.  He is 0-1 against UAB and barely hovering around .500% verse Auburn. 

3-2 against Auburn thus far, and "savior" - well 1 NC in 5 years is nice, 2 would be awesome- but the quality of the recruiting classes kinda speak for themselves.

Course, haters gunna hate.

[OldDad]

In a coupla years Saban will leave Alabama for more money.  Have fun while it lasts.

Saban is a mal content, he will last 3 years tops before they run him out of Tuscaloosa. People act like he is inheriting a great program. Lets look at the facts:

Alabama has 1 SEC title and 1 BCS appearance (both in 1999) in the last 14 years.  In the past 4 years they have had one winning season (2005). They were a mere 2-6 in the SEC this year, the 2 wins were 3 point home wins over highly touted SEC powerhouse programs Vanderbilt and Ole Miss. Alabama has been mediocre for more than a decade now.

Alabama alumn are not shelling out 32 million for 7-5 records and Texas Bowl appearances. Which is probably where Alabama will be in Sabans third and final year. I say they go 5-7 in each of his first 2 years, then in his 3rd year after going 7-5 he will resign and someone else will coach Alabama in the Texas Bowl... Saban probably ends up back at Michigan State where the expectations are real low...

my humble 2 cents

Rick

Here's a tip: don't apply for any prophet jobs. This will be a nightmare on your resume.

[I B 4 Jesus]

Nick Saban is building a ARMY in Tuscaloosa... The man can recruit like crazy!