papz

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.

Danno

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.

Halo

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.