It’s late January and the coaching carousel that has become common in the NFL and college football this time of year is in full swing, and it again has brought LSU head coach Nick Saban along for the ride.
Last year, Saban’s name came up in nearly every opening for NFL and top college teams looking for a coach, but none panned out, and Saban stayed.
After issuing a statement last week re-affirming his commitment to LSU, Saban confirmed he met with the Jacksonville Jaguars to talk about its head coaching position (the Jaguars later hired Jack Del Rio) but said he decided not to pursue it further.
Whether his words are true or should be taken at face value, is anyone’s guess. But one thing is certain in the ever-growing NFL/Saban saga: as long as he has success at LSU, the rumor mill will continue to churn stories until Saban is convinced a certain job in the NFL or college is worth his while, and he takes it.
Coaches bolting for other teams are nothing new in the college and pro ranks. This past year, Dennis Franchione (Texas A&M), Mike Price (Alabama) and Guy Morriss (Baylor) all left for better jobs.
Last year, the Washington Redskins enticed Steve Spurrier to leave his beloved Florida alma mater, so it’s not inconceivable that Saban, who left Michigan State in 1999 for a better deal in Baton Rouge, could turn the trick and leave LSU.
Spurrier, who had 12 winning seasons at Florida, wanted to see if he could handle the challenge of the NFL before he got too old. At 51, Saban may get the same idea down the road.
In my opinion, Saban won’t take a NFL job unless the right team, with the right amount of control becomes available. With NFL owners less inclined to give coaches the powers of general manager in recent years, Saban probably would stay in the college ranks if he did leave.
Though Saban has been a consistent winner at LSU, his job is not guaranteed past his current contract and in the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world of college football, winning eight or nine games a year may not be enough to keep him here.
Saban’s 26-12 record and back-to-back New Year’s Day bowl appearance at LSU are nothing to scoff at, but athletics directors and fans around the country are expecting coaches to win a national championship in their second year. Bob Stoops did it at Oklahoma in 2000 and Jim Tressel’s Ohio State club did it this year. If Saban’s future teams don’t reach the top of the proverbial mountain they climb every year, he could be pressured to leave.
So to use Saban’s words, “it’s over and we’re moving on, alright?” The San Francisco 49ers top spot is the only pro job still open, but they will likely hire from within the organization.
With no other lucrative college positions available, it seems Saban will be LSU’s coach for at least another year. Tune in next year to see if the story is different.