Saban To Texas?

[Deltamud77]

http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootbal ... job-110513

The agent for coach Nick Saban told Texas officials in January that Texas was the only school he would consider leaving Alabama for, and his success with the Crimson Tide had put him under ''special pressure,'' The Associated Press has learned.

The agent, Jimmy Sexton, made the comments during a 45-minute call with former Texas Regent Tom Hicks and current Regent Wallace Hall. Hicks detailed the call in a Sept. 24 email that was obtained Tuesday by the AP through an open-records request.

''Sexton confirmed that UT is the only job Nick would possibly consider leaving Alabama for, and that his success there created special pressure for him,'' Hicks wrote.

The pressure was not further explained in the email and Sexton declined comment Tuesday. Saban was not available after practice.

Two days after the call, Hicks approached Texas coach Mack Brown about the possibility of retiring. Brown, who is under contract until 2020, said he wanted to stay.

Hicks sent the email to his brother and current Regent Steve Hicks five days after the AP first reported that the call took place.

Saban has said he didn't know anything about the meeting, and he's too old to start over someplace else. The Tide has won the last two national titles and his team is currently ranked No. 1.

Interesting AP article...there is more to it in the link. I have always thought that Saban to Texas was an impossibility (and believe it likely still is just that). However, I think the chances have gone from 0% to probably 25%. One, the job has to open up. With games remaining against Baylor, Ok State and Texas Tech, one could easily see Texas losing two more games, finishing 8-4 and probably costing Brown his job. If open, would Saban take the Texas job? Bama would actually have to pay 6% more in salary than Texas to match salaries since Texas has no state income tax. Probably not an issue for Bama to meet or exceed the pay of Texas. I think that is a non-issue.

Anecdotally, I have an associate that is a former staff member on Saban's LSU staff. He told me this summer he anticipates Saban will retire at Bama within 3 years. He also said that Saban and his wife feel suffocated in Tuscaloosa after having been deified by the Bama fanbase - coupled with the small size of the town. He said, if he were to leave it would not be because of the program but to get away from the fans and the town. Oddly enough, this proclamation seems to have been confirmed in this AP article with the "special pressure" comment.

[mshunter77]

Saban is going to get that "special pressure" any where he goes. That is just part of being the best at what you do. I also think he retires soon, 5 years max.

[Deltamud77]

Saban is going to get that "special pressure" any where he goes. That is just part of being the best at what you do. I also think he retires soon, 5 years max.

I think it goes without saying that Alabama, for better or for worse, deifies successful coaches more than any other school in the country. That is one of the things that make the school so good at football...because the fans expect greatness, but one could also understand how it would be suffocating when that is one of the few things an entire state has to focus on, as compared to a place like Texas.

Moreover, I am only telling you what I have been told relative to the Saban view of Bama fans by someone that stays in touch with him.

I had not mentioned it up to this point because it seemed somewhat implausible. The quote from the AP article seems to mirror what I had been told this summer.

Of course, this is a message board and you don't know me and have no reason to believe me. I get that and respect it. I believed 0% of what Big Gumbo used to spot on "insider information". I believer next to 0% of any other insider information. It is what it is, or isn't what it isn't, I suppose.

[Deltamud77]

Saban is going to get that "special pressure" any where he goes. That is just part of being the best at what you do. I also think he retires soon, 5 years max.

I think it goes without saying that Alabama, for better or for worse, deifies successful coaches more than any other school in the country. That is one of the things that make the school so good at football...because the fans expect greatness, but one could also understand how it would be suffocating when that is one of the few things an entire state has to focus on, as compared to a place like Texas.

Moreover, I am only telling you what I have been told relative to the Saban view of Bama fans by someone that stays in touch with him.

I had not mentioned it up to this point because it seemed somewhat implausible. The quote from the AP article seems to mirror what I had been told this summer.

Of course, this is a message board and you don't know me and have no reason to believe me. I get that and respect it. I believed 0% of what Big Gumbo used to spout on "insider information". I believer next to 0% of any other insider information. It is what it is, or isn't what it isn't, I suppose.

[Po Monkey Lounger]

I would say the odds of Saban leaving Alabama for Texas will increase greatly in the event of another loss or two by Texas and Alabama failing to win the NC. Texas has already hired a new AD, appears to be ready to make a coaching change, and has expressed strong interest in Saban. And despite Saban's denials of personal involvement in any discussions with Texas ( I am sure that is true), his agent is positioning Saban for a potential move to Texas or a big raise at Alabama.

Before accepting the Bama job, Saban said he had no interest in it. And we see how that worked out.

I personally hope he stays at Bama. I want the satisfaction of beating a Saban coached Tide team in the future --- the Rebs should be able to give it a good shot next year in Oxford. But I think that there is a pretty good chance that he takes the Texas job.

[bigoak]

Don't think Saban wants to start over again at the age of 62. I bet Bama bumps his salary up to $6 million or a little more and he stays three more years and retires at 65.

[4dawgma]

I personally hope he stays at Bama. I want the satisfaction of beating a Saban coached Tide team in the future --- the Rebs should be able to give it a good shot next year in Oxford. But I think that there is a pretty good chance that he takes the Texas job.

[webbmaster]

Wishful thinking around here.

Interesting around the time of this speculation started, Sabans coaches all got a raise.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/sto ... oordinator

Can't blame some of you for predicting it (" But I think that there is a pretty good chance that he takes the Texas job.") because you look like a genius if he does, but can still have dreams if he doesn't.

Nice work Jimmy Sexton.

[duckter]

Next year is when we beat 'em, yeah next year. Or maybe the next, or the next after that. Or, the next after the next of the next.

[Po Monkey Lounger]

"look like a genius"? Hell, compared to some of the so-called realists here (who are rarely right about anything when it comes to Ole Miss), I'm freaking Nostradamus.

I did not say that Saban was definately going to make the move --- there are some significant existing obstacles currently in the way. BUT, IF Texas loses enough remaining games to justify firing Mack Brown, AND the Tide loses a game that keeps them out of the NC game, then the stars could align for such a move by Saban. It's just a feeling I'm getting from reading between the lines and having a few years under my belt. It ain't wishful thinking, because I really don't want him to leave Alabama for the reason stated above. I like the challenge and want to experience the eventual triumph over a Saban coached Tide team. Yes, Dawgma, it COULD happen.

Mack Brown may very well finish strong and make it almost impossible for Texas to fire him this season ---- eg if Texas wins the Big 12 title. In that event (which is not that far-fetched), then there is no open job at Texas unless Brown voluntarily retires --- doubtful.

Alabama appears to be the favorite to win the NC at this point. And if this happens, Saban ain't going anywhere.

[Deltamud77]

Saban being in the SEC is best from a monetary standpoint. He cements the power of the SEC and the money derived by all schools from bowl appearances. However, I think that if the Texas job opens, no matter what happens at Bama this year, Saban will give Texas legit attention...more than just posturing for a raise. To that point, if he leaves Bama with a title, it might allow him to separate himself.

He addressed this latest story today in his presser and said he is committed to the University of Alabama. He could have put it to bed completely and said under no circumstances am I leaving Bama until I retire or they ask me to leave. He didn't say that. Hhhmmmmmm.

Saban is a business man and is playing the game...to either get another raise or to potentially move on last time.

[Deltamud77]

Alabama appears to be the favorite to win the NC at this point. And if this happens, Saban ain't going anywhere.

I don't think they are going to win it this year. I have come to that conclusion recently. As a matter of fact, I am not sure they even play for the national title. I think there is a small chance they lose to either Auburn or to the winner of the SECe. Assuming they win out, I think that either Oregon or Florida State will beat them. FSU is a near match athletically with a more dynamic QB and Oregon will be a schematic nightmare IMO. As to Oregon, it will be interesting to see what they do tomorrow night versus a lesser-Alabama in Stanford.

[ms_deer_hunter]

If Texas comes knocking .......... With the 10 M they say they have for him....... He will go !

But let's talk about "perspective"

Alabama has lots of $ , but lets get real , Texas has lots more.

Mack Brown - Y'all are talking about Texas firing him going 8-4 , When any MS team's administration and fan bases want to give raises and contract extensions for going 8-4. (Now there's difference you can ponder on ! )

Saban would like to win NC at a 3 rd School.... He is a recruiting Magnet... If he goes to UT. All the the recruits will follow !


Just my humble opinion !

[mshunter77]

Saban is going to get that "special pressure" any where he goes. That is just part of being the best at what you do. I also think he retires soon, 5 years max.

I think it goes without saying that Alabama, for better or for worse, deifies successful coaches more than any other school in the country. That is one of the things that make the school so good at football...because the fans expect greatness, but one could also understand how it would be suffocating when that is one of the few things an entire state has to focus on, as compared to a place like Texas.

Moreover, I am only telling you what I have been told relative to the Saban view of Bama fans by someone that stays in touch with him.

I had not mentioned it up to this point because it seemed somewhat implausible. The quote from the AP article seems to mirror what I had been told this summer.

Of course, this is a message board and you don't know me and have no reason to believe me. I get that and respect it. I believed 0% of what Big Gumbo used to spot on "insider information". I believer next to 0% of any other insider information. It is what it is, or isn't what it isn't, I suppose.

I believe and agree with everything you said. I could not imagine being a coach at a place like Alabama. I personally think he stays at Bama and retires in a couple of years. I also think that is why Kirby Smart has not left, I think he may be waiting for Saban to retire.

[mshunter77]

Also if Texas were to offer him 10 million I would not blame him for leaving and have no doubt he would win a title in a couple of years and then have won a title at 3 different schools, not bad for his legacy.