Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

In December 2006, then-Dolphins coach Nick Saban was spending plenty of time trying to convince plenty of folks that he wouldn’t be the next coach at Alabama.

Six years later, as he prepares to pursue yet another NCAA championship as the Alabama coach, it’s inevitable that he’ll be linked to jobs at the next level — especially with so many jobs possibly becoming available after the 2012 season ends.

Earlier this year, Saban’s name surfaced (primarily via speculation) as a potential candidate to coach the Browns. Over the weekend, Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe provided a slightly meatier nugget.

Bedard writes that Saban has “let it be known” that, if he returns to the NFL, he’d want to work with former Browns-turned-Ravens colleague Mike Lombardi, whose name has surfaced as a potential candidate to succeed Tom Heckert as G.M. of the Browns franchise that returned to the NFL in 1999.

There’s no indication that Saban, who is now in his 60s even if he doesn’t look it, would try to return to the NFL. But with a growing war chest of crystal footballs and a two-year run of mediocrity in Miami that surely gnaws at him like a Little Debbie oatmeal creme pie, Saban could decide that he wants to swing the bat one more time in the big leagues.

That said, he wasn’t happy as an NFL head coach, poking around for possibilities back in the college ranks after only one year of running the Dolphins. We’d heard in October of 2006 that Saban wanted to go back to the college game, and the rumors persisted until they culminated in the one rumor he consistently denied.

“I’m not going to be the Alabama coach,” he eventually insisted.

And then, out of the blue, he was.

His return to the NFL, if and when he chooses to do it, could come out of the blue in similar fashion. And it could, in theory, put him back in orange and brown.

If nothing else, the possibility of landing Saban would force the folks in the Cleveland media who are grumbling about the possible return of Lombardi reconsider their position.

Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again | ProFootballTalk

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

I would love it, and laugh my ass off if he did. It has been well documented that he is an huge A H. Not taken anything away from his ability.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

... his ability at the college level, I may add. The pros aren't his thing.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

Yet a sweetheart compared to Les Miles.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

Hard to imagine this happening again with him.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

I don't really. While I'd be surprised if he jumped to the NFL again, It wouldn't shock me.

I doubt he tries the NFL again because I think his stint in Miami showed him how much he likes dealing and developing College kids instead of tolerating the Diva's and their slimy agents in the NFL.

I think he prefers college, and trust me, he'll get paid more at Alabama than in Cleveland, and he'll get a lot more press as the top college coach in the world.

Basically I think he enjoys College coaching more than NFL coaching. I would too.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

I don't know about the money thing. If Cleveland threw 8 million Saban's way, it's very unlikely Saban would turn it down nor would Bama seriously consider matching it. Even 7 million would be hard pressed to match.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

I saw some numbers a year or two ago and the football program made 32million.

I think they'd jump all over 7 or 8 million.

But I doubt an NFL team is gonna throw 8 million at a coach who failed pretty badly at Miami and has a reputation of not being able to "convince" NFL primadonnas that its his way or the highway.

I think its pure speculation that will happen every year. The most successful coach in the college ranks will always be rumored for an NFL job.

Does anyone you know think Saban will ever have the same success in the NFL that he enjoys at the college level?

He's one of the best recruiters in College football history which is arguably 80% of his success. You don't recruit in the NFL.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

I hope he stays at Bama... but we've all heard this song before. He was against it and concealing it before he was for it, etc ... Perhaps he yearns for another crack at the NFL for a different challenge. He has not conquered that mountain yet! Pete Carroll failed miserably his first time in the NFL too. Yet he eventually returned, now as the Seahacks Head Coach.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

I would't be surprised if he took another shot at the NFL. Coaches like Saban are ego-maniacs, and the fact that he couldn't get it done in the NFL probably hurts his pride. Especially with Carroll now having some success.

That said, I think he is best off where he is now.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

Remember, Bama, like LSU and other large institutions that make big money from athletic programs, uses a LOT of that 32 million to help fund academics. Research and research dependent departments like mathmatics, engineering, Sea Grant, petroleum research either make their own money or are so vital to the other they MUST continue.

Most academic colleges run deficits even after tuition. Bama, like LSU, is a modest tuition school because so much is made from grant programs and academics.

That 32 million is also part of funding the school. It may 8 million many be too much for the Alabama system board to approve as it would cut the budget too close.

But beyond all that.... Saban is a whore like the rest of us - he'll go where the money is IF he wants to. Same thing for Sean Payton, Tubby Tommerville, or whoever else. If Saban left for the NFL and failed, he'll have crack at the best college coaching job anywhere he wants if he decided to return.

That said, I hope he stays at Bama. A strong Bama football program ensures LSU will pump cash and energy in theirs year after year. Vice versa. Competition is good.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

Unlike Pete Carroll, Saban had a rough time as an NFL coach and it's well documented, not only his record but also the testimony of those who played for him. He just wasn't good at it. The only way Saban goes back to the NFL is if there is a major scandal at Bama and that may not even be enough. I think it left a real bitter taste in his mouth because he likes the control and structure of college. I could be wrong but I don't see him ever going back.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

As a Tide fan, of course I hope he retires here. But I won't hate on anybody for bettering himself, let alone a guy who's already brought us 2 National Titles and the very real possibility of a third in a month or so.

That said, I don't think going to the NFL would be "bettering himself," especially given his last foray. It also doesn't help if it's with the Browns. They are a perennial loser, and I dunno if even Saban could help that bunch.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

I don't care what he does.

Using his words:

"I'm not going anywhere. I love LSU and what we have built here. I'm a Tiger."

"I'm not going to coach Alabama.

"I'm not going to Cleveland"

He has a tendancy to not tell the truth.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

What the hell did you expect him to say? "Yes, I'm considering job X but won't decide until I hear some numbers"?

The guy was asked daily about what he wanted to do. I'd have said the same damn thing to force the press to STFU already.

Can you name one single coach in football history that said "Yes, I'm probably gonna leave mid-season for job X"?

"F" the media.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

I think it's fine to say, that. Too a certain point. Then when the media continues to ask that question, you say, "I am tired of being asked that, next question."

Now, I will not lie on this. Saban was and is, one of the greatest coaches at LSU. The problem I have with him, is I feel like I was lied to and betrayed, as a fan. And not only does he leave when LSU is on the door step of making a dynasty for a sucky Miami team; he then comes back to college FB and coaches a rival in the SEC.

You and every other Bama fan can't sit there and tell me that after he won y'alls NC (his 1st with Bama), that if he did the same thing to Bama and reverse the rolls; y'all wouldn't hate his guts too.

Now I will admit the truth telling bit was a bit harsh and on the bitter side. So you will have to forgive me for that.

I can take my bias and put it aside and truly admit that Nick Saban is in the top 2 of greatest NCAA coaches.

However, I don't have to like it. :-P

Ivan understand your feelings on this,nothing hurts more than feeling like you have been stabbed in the back,especially if that person goes on to succeed elsewhere.

Re: Saban slides onto the NFL coaching radar, again
 

I never begrudged Saban for leaving LSU. He wanted his shot at the NFL, he took it. It wasn't working, he took the truckload of money Bama was offering. And yes, he lied, but, that's what coaches do.