Alabama football coach Nick Saban flew into a Baton Rouge airport Wednesday, The Daily Reveille learned through anonymous sources.
Saban was escorted by Louisiana State Troopers to an undisclosed location.
The News Star in Monroe reported Saban was on a recruiting trip in the city Tuesday.
Saban flew in during the morning and recruited all day, The News Star reported. The Alabama coach also visited Ouachita, Bastrop and Rayville.
When asked if Saban was in Baton Rouge this week, Jeff Purinton, Alabama sports information director, said in an e-mail that Saban was out Monday and Tuesday recruiting. He did not specify where Saban was while recruiting.
According to Flightaware.com, three planes flew from Monroe to Baton Rouge on Wednesday. There is no confirmation yet as to who was on the flights.
After Lloyd Carr resigned as Michigan’s head coach, speculation began about a possible departure by LSU coach Les Miles, who is a former player and assistant coach at Michigan.
LSU Senior Associate Athletic Director Herb Vincent said to his knowledge, Saban’s trip to Baton Rouge had nothing to do with LSU, despite message-board speculations that Saban could be a replacement should Miles decide to leave.
Saban had a 48-16 record in five seasons at LSU.
LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman said LSU has no interest in interviewing Saban as the coach.
“We don’t want to talk to coach Saban. What are we asking permission to talk to coach Saban for?” Bertman said. “We’ve got a coach. His name is Les Miles. We’re playing Tennessee this weekend.”
This season was Saban’s first with the Crimson Tide after a two-year stint with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
Check back at lsureveille.com for updates.
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