Alabama Making Saban An Offer He Can't Refuse?

[chargertom]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6322866?FSO1&ATT=HMA

Nick Saban has already said that he is not interested in leaving the Miami Dolphins to become Alabama's next head coach. But that apparently won't stop the Crimson Tide from trying to lure him away.

Alabama is expected to offer Saban a contract worth at least $40 million on either Monday or Tuesday, according to reports in the Palm Beach Post, and the Miami Herald.

The deal is expected to be for eight seasons at roughly $4 million per year, including a $7 million signing bonus.

Saban has another three seasons and $15 million left on his Dolphins contract. Miami concluded its season with a 6-10 record and a 27-22 loss to the playoff-bound Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

[Spank]

I dont think he'll leave. If he does I think its a mistake. He's building something in Maimi. He just needs to get a successful QB.

[Mixelplick]

I don't know. If I were him I would go. Ton of money and job security is a whole lot better in college then the pros. If Saban has a bad year next year with Miami then all the talk would be he is on the hot seat. I say avoid it all and go to Alabama...unless that means that Miami tries to get Cam, if that's the case STAY IN MIAMI SABAN!!!

[rammerjammer]

Being an Alabama fan here in TTown, i hope he takes it. We really need a coach! I have a feeling he will be on the hot seat in MIami next year so he might as well get out while the money is good.

[56lightsout56]

I'd like to see Saben go to Alabama too. Jason Taylor said he would really consider retiring if Saban left and I dont want anything to get in the way of Jason enjoying his....

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cmmsdm/smilies/popcorn

[rammerjammer]

Saban has asked for more time to make a decision. I really hope this is good news for Alabama. The word here is that people in Miami are furious that he is even entertaining the offer, so his list of enemies there grows longer with each moment he delays. Surely he won't take extra time to decide to stay ... although with Bama's luck, that is exactly what will happen.

[56lightsout56]

Saban has asked for more time to make a decision. I really hope this is good news for Alabama. The word here is that people in Miami are furious that he is even entertaining the offer, so his list of enemies there grows longer with each moment he delays. Surely he won't take extra time to decide to stay ... although with Bama's luck, that is exactly what will happen.

Saban likes to be wooed where ever he's gone. He does like the college game and I cant see passing up that amount of money.

Besides, I think he has found it harder to build up an NFL team than he thought it was due to cap restrictions etc.

with recruiting (even though it's late in this year's period) Bama just may be very well placed going into the 2008 season.

[Sanitation Man]

Saban has asked for more time to make a decision. I really hope this is good news for Alabama. The word here is that people in Miami are furious that he is even entertaining the offer, so his list of enemies there grows longer with each moment he delays. Surely he won't take extra time to decide to stay ... although with Bama's luck, that is exactly what will happen.

Meaning, he is preparing a counter offer. I'm guessing he's gonna ask for a "blanket" restraining order against all 'Tide fans. ;) :LightsOut:

[rammerjammer]

ESPN radio says the announcement is coming in about 12 minutes. They also believe he will come to Alabama, which obviously means they have jinxed us and he'll stay. Then we will have waited too long to hire a coach and we will be stuck begging Rush Probst from MTV's Two a Days to come down the road to Tuscaloosa, and the Two A Days: Season Three will be at the U of A. Shoot me now.

[rammerjammer]

Colin Cowherd just repoted Nick to Bama. Woot woot!!

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-spsaban03jan03,0,2402237.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-spsaban03jan03,0,2402237.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front)

[StevenSD]

Can't believe he left the Dolphins like that.

[Spank]

Money talks.

[Medford Bronco]

Can't believe he left the Dolphins like that.

Saban is a hypocryte to me. It was not about $$. He was paid quite well in Miami.
They would have won 10 games if they signed Drew Brees instead of the injured Cullpepper.

The would have beaten the Jets 2 times and probably won more games an challenged NE if Brees went there.

He messed up but not taking a chance on Brees. New Orleans gain and their huge loss.

[rammerjammer]

Saban is a hypocryte to me. It was not about $$. He was paid quite well in Miami.
They would have won 10 games if they signed Drew Brees instead of the injured Cullpepper.

The would have beaten the Jets 2 times and probably won more games an challenged NE if Brees went there.

He messed up but not taking a chance on Brees. New Orleans gain and their huge loss.

I don't think it was up to Saban to establish the standards for the physical that Brees had to pass. I think that test was created by a team of medical professionals and signed off on by the front office, so the Brees thing was not really on Saban's shoulders. He just coaches the players he has. He's not a miracle worker. He had to coach Joey Harrington, and then relied on Cleo Lemon. Not the best QBs in the league.

And I'll take Saban any day over our current coach (i.e. no one).

[Spank]

I dont think they should have canned Shula, but thats just me. I'm sure the locals down there werent happy with their record last season.

[Medford Bronco]

I don't think it was up to Saban to establish the standards for the physical that Brees had to pass. I think that test was created by a team of medical professionals and signed off on by the front office, so the Brees thing was not really on Saban's shoulders. He just coaches the players he has. He's not a miracle worker. He had to coach Joey Harrington, and then relied on Cleo Lemon. Not the best QBs in the league.

And I'll take Saban any day over our current coach (i.e. no one).

I was not saying Saban is a bad coach. I just think he is a hypocryte for leaving before fininishing the job and just 2 weeks ago saying "I am not going to Alabama"

I like saban and know he will do well back in college, just like at LSU and Mich state.

[rammerjammer]

I dont think they should have canned Shula, but thats just me. I'm sure the locals down there werent happy with their record last season.

Shula was not known as a disciplinarian and his players were running wild. For instance, the star defensive player, Juwan Simpson, was arrested during the summer for possession of marijuana, possession of a stolen firearm, and DUI (I think). His punishment by Shula: suspended him for the team's easiest opponent on the schedule, La Monroe, which was also the third game of the season (not the first game, when most players would be suspended).

Shula's 10-2 finish is 2005 was more a result of the caliber players he had than his coaching. In addition, he did not recruit any of those players. Who were the stand outs on the 2005 roster? Brodie Croyle (drafted by the Chiefs in the third round), DeMeco Ryans (current DROY, taken by the Texans with the first pick of the second round), Roman Harper (taken in the 2nd round of the draft, a rookie standout for the Saints before he tore his ACL in the early part of the season), and Mark Anderson (a current defensive rookie standout for the Bears). Shula relied on his defense last year to keep points off the board, which allowed him to win several games with no touchdowns scored whatsoever. If not for the kicker, Bama would have more been like 8-4 in 2005 (we beat Tennessee 6-3, for cyring out loud!).

Shula didn't have any head coaching experience before coming here, and it was readily apparent. He insisted on running Kenneth Darby up the middle, a flawed and failed play on every attempt, for 75% of each game. He refused to release play calling duties. He just wasn't willing to make the necessary changes to get it done. here.

Shula wasn't getting it done here, and he wasn't worth the paycheck he was bringing in. That being said, I think the way that he was fired was less than admirable, as it was done in a stealth manner moments after allowing him to address his team. There was no honor in the way he was forced to leave Tuscaloosa, and that is unfortunate because he is a stand up guy. Don Shula said as much during the Christmas night Dolphins v. Jets game, and I agreed with all the negative things he had to say about the Alabama administration.

Alabama fans are just too crazy to put up with a guy who failed to beat Auburn 5 years in a row. That was the final nail in the coffin. If Saban can't beat Auburn at Bama, he'll suffer the same fate.

[rammerjammer]

I was not saying Saban is a bad coach. I just think he is a hypocryte for leaving before fininishing the job and just 2 weeks ago saying "I am not going to Alabama"

I like saban and know he will do well back in college, just like at LSU and Mich state.

I do see that point of view. I was listening to Coach K on Mike and Mike this morning and he was saying that there is a distinct possibility that two weeks ago when Saban made that statement, he meant it. However, a situation can change in a two week period of time, and maybe now that the season is over and he has had a chance to evaluate everything, he changed his mind. I think that is possible.

However, he also might be a liar. Who knows.:Beer:

[ftwbolt]

I dont think it was about the money either ! Although he is going to be payed very well !

Player ego's, the Cap, competing against Belichek and now Mangini and the Bills are on the raise. He may have had second thoughts about the grind and tring to win in that division. His QB situation really blew up in his face too !

What scare's me now is that the Fish may come calling to S.D. and talk to Cam ! :(

[drangus]

I guess these college superstar coaches are finding out that the NFL is a whole different animal, Saban lost more

games in two years at Miami than he did in five years at LSU, I don't think he knew how to handle that coupled with

the notion that he would lose his mystique, and therfore be unable to garner the big jobs later,I think he panicked and ran

all the while he was negotiating with Alabama, he used the Dolphins to leverage a contract that will have his family set for

life, how can you blame him? yet I do take offense to the way he manipulated and lied about the situation

in the end I think he has lost the respect of many people in the profession, I don't think he intends to every return

but I seriously doubt anyone will take a chance on him in the NFL in the future

[rammerjammer]

The NFL and college football are two entirely different animals. I do not think anyone would disagree that Steve Spurrier is a phenomenal football coach, and yet he was unable to make miracles happen at the Redskins and eventually went back to the SEC. SI.com currently has a pretty good article highlighting some of the reasons that Saban left, and I tend to agree with most of them, specifically the recruiting bit.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/don_banks/01/03/saban/index.html

[JCDavey]

looks like events have taken shape to reunite denny green with duante culpepper...now all they need to do is trade for randy moss...too funny

[LongTimeOCBolts]

I think it's pretty bogus to walk out in the middle of a long term plan -- and CONTRACT -- like that. Ownership gave him everything they wanted, including complete control. Maybe he thought it would be easier to win in the NFL, and is just giving up. Maybe he doesn't think that way, and just wants the money. Or the change in scenery. Who knows. But one thing we do know is that he does not feel bound by the contract that he freely entered into.

Also -- Going for Culpepper over Brees is entirely his doing. He was given front office control as well as coaching duties. Which of course could be a discussion in itself -- is that just too much for one person? Is it better -- perhaps even healthy for success -- to have two voices at the table, even when they have heated differences of opinion (a la Marty and A.J.?)

[RAYRAY37]

Some can hang with the big boys and some can't.

[Mr.Explosive]

Saban really rubbed me raw with this, I have a few friends that are dolphins fans and they basically put all their chips into Saban even when they weren't producing wins. Everyone had faith in Saban and it seemed like he was starting to improve an atrocous Dolphins team he inherited. His response.... oh, I get more money at alabama, so long suckers. 2 weeks ago he said it wasn't going to happen, all we learned is he is a dirty liar. Don't even think for a second he would have left if Alabama wasn't offering a 32 mill gaurantee contract. So from the bottom of my heart, a sincere FU to Saban on behalf of Dolphins fans.

personally I'm curious how a university can afford 32 mill for a coach.

[JCDavey]

Saban really rubbed me raw with this, I have a few friends that are dolphins fans and they basically put all their chips into Saban even when they weren't producing wins. Everyone had faith in Saban and it seemed like he was starting to improve an atrocous Dolphins team he inherited. His response.... oh, I get more money at alabama, so long suckers. 2 weeks ago he said it wasn't going to happen, all we learned is he is a dirty liar. Don't even think for a second he would have left if Alabama wasn't offering a 32 mill gaurantee contract. So from the bottom of my heart, a sincere FU to Saban on behalf of Dolphins fans.

personally I'm curious how a university can afford 32 mill for a coach.boosters

alabama is a once great college football program looking to become great again

they actually have national championships once upon a time, and one of the greatest football coaches of all time in their past.

[rammerjammer]

personally I'm curious how a university can afford 32 mill for a coach.

It's the University of Alabama. Our stadium is larger than many NFL stadiums (capacity of 92,138) and is the 7th largest college stadium in the nation. Our football program alone generated over $40 million last year, according to ESPN Radio. $32 million over 8 years is just a drop in the bucket.

[rammerjammer]

boosters

alabama is a once great college football program looking to become great again

they actually have national championships once upon a time, and one of the greatest football coaches of all time in their past.

Not sound like a Raider fan, but Alabama has 12 national championships, thankyouverymuch. However, the last one was in 1992, so those bragging rights are pretty much worn thin right now. That's why we hired Saban ...

[Mr.Explosive]

It's the University of Alabama. Our stadium is larger than many NFL stadiums (capacity of 92,138) and is the 7th largest college stadium in the nation. Our football program alone generated over $40 million last year, according to ESPN Radio. $32 million over 8 years is just a drop in the bucket.

that kind of money makes the ethics chip go off in my head. I won't pretend to know the details of college sports monetary allocation, but for a system in a favorable tax status, 32 mill for a coach when your players are pro-bono seems absolutely absurd to me. I'm sure Alabama is a wonderful college, just seems like money along those lines would be better spent in a more benevolent nature(player/student scholarships). I guess that could be said for any large sum of money. But hey, I'm not an athletics booster or alumni, so I'm better just shutting up

[Boltman19]

Does anyone think Sabans huge paycheck is going to inflate coaches salaries around the NCAA?

[LongTimeOCBolts]

boosters

alabama is a once great college football program looking to become great again

they actually have national championships once upon a time, and one of the greatest football coaches of all time in their past.

I also remember they had phenomenal cheerleaders :D When they played UCLA one year I was sharing the binoculars with my dad and older brother, and whoever had them seemed to miss out on many of the plays.;)

[ftwbolt]

Not sound like a Raider fan, but Alabama has 12 national championships, thankyouverymuch. However, the last one was in 1992, so those bragging rights are pretty much worn thin right now. That's why we hired Saban ...

My only question would be how long does he stay ? Nick never really stays anywhere for very long ! For the Tide's sake and your's, hope he grows roots. :Beer:

[rammerjammer]

My only question would be how long does he stay ? Nick never really stays anywhere for very long ! For the Tide's sake and your's, hope he grows roots. :Beer:

Well, I can't really fault him for that, as Bama has not had a great track record with coaches in recent history. We have been through five coaches in the last 10 years or so (Gene Stallings, Mike Dubose, Dennis Franchione, Mike Price, Mike Shula). I really hope that this is the fit we have been looking for now for several years, but at this point we really just need someone to get the program back on track. I have heard numerous times on ESPN radio, and also read in a few articles, that early in his career Saban said Bama was his dream job. If Saban still feels that way, then maybe this is a pairing that will make all interested parties happy for many years.

[chargertom]

Congrats rammerjammer. Looks like you've got yourself a coach. I think he'll do a good job for you. :Beer:

[SP17BOLT]

I was watching NFL Network earlier in the day about this situation.
When nick saban agreed coaching alabama, it was funny when they should a clip have him saying i'm not going to coach alabama.