December 25, 2004
LSU's Nick Saban to Dolphins (updated)
UPDATED 12/25/04 6:30pm CST by Dave Frey
ESPN is now reporting it's official: Nick Saban will leave LSU to coach the Miami Dolphins. Saban will coach LSU in the Capital One Bowl first. [Full Story at ESPN.com}
UPDATE 12/23/04 8:20pm CST by Dave Frey
As expected, LSU officials are vehemently denying that Saban will be offered more money. I figured that story was bogus. A New Orleans talk radio show said earlier this evening that it talked to LSU AD Skip Bertman and he was expecting Saban's decision Friday morning.
UPDATE 12/23/04 3:35pm CST by Dave Frey
"According to sources, LSU is offering to raise Saban's contract to nearly $4 million a year. Currently, Saban makes $2.3 million in base pay and will receive approximately $400,000 in incentives for the team making a postseason bowl game."
I'm calling total BS on this one, but I thought I'd post the link anyway.
UPDATED 12/23/2004 (#)
After a phone call between Wayne Huizenga and Nick Saban, the Miami Dolphins have officially offered Nick Saban the job as Head Coach, via Saban's agent. The deal is worth an estimated $5million per year, with full control over football operations. Saban would be able to hire and manage the team's General Manager. Reports indicate that Saban met with his family last night, and the Dolphins may have his decision by 1pm on Thursday. --Kevin Donahue
UPDATE Tuesday 12/21/04: ESPN Radio is reporting a verbal agreement between Saban and the Dolphins, with an official announcement to probably be made tomorrow. Still looking for an online source to link. DF
UPDATED 12/20/2004 (#)
If this isn't writing on the wall, I don't know what is: Saban assistants now talking personnel with Dolphins.
LSU assistant Derek Dooley and Dolphins defensive nickel package coach Bill Lewis spoke last week and during the conversation Dooley inquired about the talent on Miami's roster.Dooley made it clear to Lewis he wanted to know about Miami's players because he would be coaching the Miami special teams once Saban is hired as the Dolphins head coach.
Apparently that conversation tweaked some current Dolphins assistants, as they don't know what role they would have under a new coach. For now, it seems Special Teams Coach is taken, huh?
Art Shell is interviewing with the Dolphins today. He's not considered a serious candidate, but it does fulfill the NFL's minority interview requirement. --Kevin Donahue
UPDATED 12/16/2004 (#)
Saban will "absolutely" coach the Tigers in their bowl game, but would not commit that he will be back next season.
Saban was unable to give a time frame for a conclusion to the situation."I'm not driving the wheel here," Saban said. "They're continuing their search, and I'm continuing my job, and that's it. Nothing else."
I'm no 'NFL hiring guru', but --if I were an LSU fan-- I would be very afraid if Miami starts a big public interview in the next week, especially with a minority candidate this week. Even if the Dolphins only pay lip service to other candidates, the NFL mandates a fine of $200K-$500K if minority candidates are not given an interview. Wayne Huizenga makes more than that just rolling over in his sleep, but he's not going to through away half a million just because.
Wanna get nervous now? Your AD had this to say today, "I support him in any direction that he may take."
At this relatively late stage, LSU could be left very high & very dry if Saban leaves. --Kevin Donahue
12/15/2004:
Not that this should be a surprise to anyone, but it still makes us Tiger fans nervous.
In a statement issued by LSU on Wednesday, Laban described the talks as "a preliminary conversation with the Dolphins to exchange ideas about their head coaching position." "No decisions were made in this meeting and they will continue their search for a coach," Laban said. "I will continue to be committed to LSU, our football program and totally focused on our bowl game versus Iowa."
That sounds eerily like coach speak for "I'm outta here."
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Kevin Donahue says:
posted on December 15, 2004 05:23 PM — linkThis does look like more than his annual flirtation with NFL teams. The parties met at a Dallas resort for several hours on Tuesday night. Hotel rumors - which I won't comment on - say that neither party left town last night.
dave says:
posted on December 15, 2004 05:29 PM — link"Discussions are expected to continue over the next few days as Saban wrestles with the question of moving back to the NFL"
Hard to blame the guy for looking into it, at least from a financial perspective. Still, there's a lot to be said for staying with an established winning program rather than trying to rebuild a loser where you don't have nearly as much control over the players.
Josh McClain says:
posted on December 15, 2004 05:29 PM — linkIsn't one of the sticking points always Personel Control? Or is it just that Saban needs another raise every couple of years.
dave frey says:
posted on December 15, 2004 06:56 PM — linkI don't mean personnel controls in terms of hiring/firing decisions, although an NFL coach certainly has less impact than a college coach. I was thinking more in terms of authority and respect in general. It's a lot harder to have your way with a bunch of spoiled millionaires than it is with a bunch of college kids.
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on December 15, 2004 07:25 PM — linkThere is definitely a different perspective for players at the pro level - you can't really bully them. That being said, those guys are playing for a paycheck and their next one isn't guaranteed. I think, in general, most NFL players go out there & want to play well. It gets them noticed, even if it's just for the local workers comp back clinic ads.
Successful coaches have good game plans that put the guys in a position to win. If you do that, they'll follow you.
Aaron says:
posted on December 16, 2004 09:29 AM — linkWord here in New Orleans is that Saban and someone from the Titan (GM maybe?) are good friends and looking into taking over the Miami jobs together. There are also rumors swirling that they are already checking around to assemble their staff.
$5 million per year for 5 years, total control of personnel, and sunny Miami weather?
Saban is as good as gone.
Ben says:
posted on December 16, 2004 10:42 PM — linkWell, I am hoping he stays at LSU since I go there, but the Dolphins have always been my favorite NFL team, so if he has to go somewhere, at least it can be for someone I like. Honestly, though, how can LSU fans be that upset for leaving. He did win us a national championship.
dave frey says:
posted on December 16, 2004 11:03 PM — linkHe did something more important than winning a national championship. He built a solid program that wins year after year.
It truly boggles the mind that there are a bunch of idiots here in Baton Rouge calling the talk radio shows and badmouthing the guy for considering his career options. These people act as though Saban is morally obligated to stay at LSU for some unexplained reason. Hello? It's his CAREER. If someone approached any of these morons and offered to more than double their salary, am I supposed to believe they wouldn't consider it, that they'd stay at their jobs out of loyalty to their employer or something? Hypocrisy anyone?
dave frey says:
posted on December 21, 2004 05:34 PM — linkI think I'll start an email chain letter. It's going to say that if you forward it to 25 people, Bill Gates will give you $100 AND make Nick Saban stay at LSU!
From Dumbidity
pinged on Dec 22, 2004 10:28 AMDear Mr. Saban, Like most LSU fans, I am dismayed that the collective set of rewards offered by my alma mater's head football coaching position are not sufficient to keep you in Baton Rouge. I will not pretend to understand
dave frey says:
posted on December 23, 2004 12:30 PM — linkWhere you getting that, anyway? It's not on their website.
Jeff Quinton says:
posted on December 23, 2004 12:30 PM — linkDave,
It's on an Arkansas board reportedly that they got it from a source in Fayetteville.I was just trying to confirm it was reported.
schmed says:
posted on December 24, 2004 02:24 PM — linkWhen Dave used the word "vehement" about how LSU officials denyed the scurrilous Miami Herald rumor, he warn't kiddin'. Keep in mind that LSU AD Skip Bertman came from U. of Miami before building a first class NCAA baseball program at LSU:
(From last night's WAFB TV's 10 pm news in Baton Rouge) LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman responded with great anger, saying quote, "There's no truth to it. It's blatant, bad journalism. The guy that wrote it, outta be thrown in jail. The president is p***ed off, the board members are p***ed off, even Nick is p***ed off. He's never asked for anymore money. I feel bad for Nick, because it's not true. It makes him look like a whore."
A more recent AP story reported Dolphins owner Huizenga's plane landing in Baton Rouge this morning. By then, the Skipper had calmed down a bit and put some positive spin on what should soon be news that St. Nick is headed further south:
So why (Saban's) hesitation to take the job?
"Because LSU is a great opportunity, and there's no reason to give it up," Bertman said. "He knows there are risks in the NFL. There's the salary cap, there's a different kind of player. And he won't be able to teach, which he really likes. He won't be able to touch lives like he does here."
Bertman dismissed reports that LSU made Saban a counteroffer. Saban already is the highest-paid coach in college football and in the first year of an $18.45 million, seven-year deal, but the Dolphins' offer is believed to exceed $4 million a year.
It's a slim chance he stays. Real slim, Jim.
schmed says:
posted on December 24, 2004 02:37 PM — link...but he's gonna wring us out emotionally first. Per a 1:15 website update from The Advocate:
Saban to make decision in 24-to-48 hours (LSU news release)
LSU coach Nick Saban said he will make a decision on whether or not to accept an offer to become the next coach of the Miami Dolphins in the next 24-to-48 hours.
Saban acknowledged that he again met with officials from the Miami Dolphins on Thursday followed by a meeting with LSU Director of Athletics Skip Bertman.
"In the next 24-to-48 hours we'll make a decision regarding the head coaching position of the Miami Dolphins," said Saban in a university news release. "We certainly appreciate everyone's support, patience and understanding during this very difficult process."
"This is a gut-wrenching decision for Nick and he needs, and deserves, the time necessary to make the right decision for him and his family," Bertman said.
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on December 24, 2004 05:03 PM — linkThe longer they delay this decision, the better for Tiger fans - don't you think? I mean, unless he's just trying to set up some offshore accounts for his extra millions, doesn't the delay bode well for LSU?
dave frey says:
posted on December 24, 2004 05:38 PM — linkHere's what we know for 100% certain as of 4:30pm Friday.
Saban definitely turned down the Dolphins' offer Thursday night, via his agent. This has been confirmed by numerous highly credible sources.
Friday morning, while Saban was in a meeting with LSU AD Bertman, Huizenga's jet lands in Baton Rouge and Huzienga goes to Saban's house to wait for him. Saban and his agent (Sexton) met with him at Saban's house for a couple hours, then the two of them drove him back to the airport around 1pm.
Saban then released a statement saying he would announce his decision within 24 to 48 hours.
Apparently Huizenga has upped the ante considerably. LSU still says it will NOT offer Saban any more money.
schmed says:
posted on December 24, 2004 06:17 PM — linkKevin, as far as I'm concerned, it's only "better" for LSU fans if Nick stays and announces he's done looking at the NFL. If he stays only because some facet of the deal fell through, then the merry-go-round starts up again next fall, same bat-time, same bat-channel. Then Tuberville, Croom, Orgeron and even Loose-ton Nutt get a recruiting bonanza.
dave frey says:
posted on December 24, 2004 09:30 PM — linkI'm kinda with schmed on this one. If he stays, I want his assurance that this doesn't happen again during the 4 years remaining on his contract. Now that this has turned into a protracted soap opera, he can't possibly be an effective recruiter as long as kids know it can happen year after year. And you can bet your arse that the teams he recruits against will be happy to point that out.
dave frey says:
posted on December 25, 2004 09:23 PM — linkMan, you guys should see the tard-fests in progress on some of the LSU fan forums. Between the hateful things they're saying about Saban and the outlandish ideas about who the next coach will be, it's absolutely comical. Glad I didn't waste any money renting a movie for tonight; this'll be five times more entertaining.
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on December 25, 2004 10:14 PM — linkLSU fans need to stand up and give Nick a standing O. They brought the program back where it belongs - no more of this 3/4 loss season noise. In the words of the great Bob Marley, "Get up! Stand up!" for Saban.
Bill Underwood says:
posted on December 26, 2004 12:02 PM — linkI'm amazed at how Kevin Donahue , Dave Frey and Schmed can kiss up to Nick Saban , who by the way has never held a job longer than 4 years , only had one program that was a real winner Butttttt.... on one hand can knock a coach like Tuberville for recieving his just dues .
I will say this much , your bias is only over shaddowed by your arragence !!!dave frey says:
posted on December 26, 2004 04:00 PM — linkHe's never held a job for longer than 4 years because he keeps moving up to BETTER jobs, Bill. Where I come from, that indicates that a person is both highly motivated and really, really good at what he does. I admire those qualities. Don't you? I don't knock Tuberville for receiving his "just dues", and I defy you to show me any instance where I have done so. He's a great football coach and he deserves to be compensated for that. I just knock him because he's a Grade A prick of a person.
Oh, and your bias is only overshadowed by your stupidity. Learn to spell, my friend. Learn to spell.
Bill Underwood says:
posted on December 26, 2004 10:24 PM — linkAre you talking about Steve Spurrier or Nick Saban when you refer to being really , really good at what they do ???? You can defend Saban , the truth is , you are really defending your own ego . You are and were wrong about Tuberville and you will see that your wrong about Nick Saban .One good year at Mich.state and LSU doesn't made for a great coach , but your right about one thing , he is smart enough to know when to bail out of a job ....SO
Tell me , how many times have you ever meet Tommy Tuberville ?
Get real dude . A real man will admit to a mistake in his judgement ,we all made them , no one is perfect .P.S. And as for my spelling , I don't really care and it didn't stop you from replying , so you must have understood my point .
Sean says:
posted on December 27, 2004 01:30 AM — linkI will make this Saban vs. Tuberville debate real easy:
Which coach gave his team cigars to smoke on an opposing team's field after a win?
Which coach stood by as his team stomped on the other team's mid-field logo during pregame warmups(a classy act resulting in a personal foul being assessed on the openning kickoff)?
Which coach sent his kicker out to practice at halftime while the home team's band was still on the field?
The answer to all of those is Tuberville.
Those are just the classless things his teams did vs. LSU. I'm sure there's more he's done elsewhere, but that is why LSU fans are very strongly opposed to him coming here. We don't like him and we don't want him bringing those attitudes/actions to our team.
As for comparisons to Spurrier, he might have kicked your ass, but his teams did it without pulling these little stunts like Tuberville's teams have.
Trey says:
posted on December 27, 2004 07:40 AM — linkI'll just say this... I had the pleasure of attending LSU for a time back in the mid 60's...Oh my. I hate to see Saban go as much as anyone because of what he's done since his arrival. He is the first coach going all the way back to Paul Deitzel who left the program better off than when he arrived.
dave frey says:
posted on December 27, 2004 09:14 AM — linkTrey- I believe Arnsparger left the program better than he found it.
dave frey says:
posted on December 27, 2004 09:27 AM — linkAre you talking about Steve Spurrier or Nick Saban when you refer to being really , really good at what they do ????
I was referring to Saban, but it applies to both.
You can defend Saban , the truth is , you are really defending your own ego .
This statement makes no sense so I see no need to address it.
You are and were wrong about Tuberville and you will see that your wrong about Nick Saban.
Doubtful on both accounts.
One good year at Mich.state and LSU doesn't made for a great coach
Saban had a winning record in his 5 years at Michigan state (34-24-1), which is pretty impressive considering MSU has to play second fiddle to Michigan for recruiting. In 5 years at LSU, Saban has an overall record of 48-15; he has 2 SEC titles, 2 BCS bowl appearances, 4 straight New Year's Day bowls, and a BCS National Championship. (When Tubesteak gets close to that at Auburn, gimme a call and we'll talk) In his entire college head coaching career, going back to Toledo, Saban has never had a losing season. If all of that doesn't make for a great coach, nothing does.
but your right about one thing
Yes, and that one thing is the proper use of "your" and "you're".
he is smart enough to know when to bail out of a job
He's smart enough to recognize the right opportunity to advance his career and add to his accomplishments. That's a lot different than "bailing out". Somehow I doubt you're smart enough to know when to do either.
Tell me , how many times have you ever meet Tommy Tuberville ?
Thankfully none. However, it's a foolish question because you don't have to meet someone to make judgements about them, especially when they're a public persona. Tell me, how many times have you met Osama Bin Laden? Are you reserving judgement until you do?
A real man will admit to a mistake in his judgement ,we all made them , no one is perfect .
That's the first intelligent thing you've said so far. I guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut occasionally. However, it's not applicable here because you have yet to demonstrate any mistakes in judgement on my part.And as for my spelling , I don't really care
Somehow, I didn't figure you cared. You seem perfectly content to have people think you're not very bright.
Bill Underwood says:
posted on December 27, 2004 10:25 AM — linkWell Mr. Frey ...... I hope you had a merry , merry Christmas......And to add one last bit to this conversation ...it's still only a game , a sport in our revised Roman empire , it will not change the world and people will make judgement calls about other people everyday...... LMAO
Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR
dave frey says:
posted on December 27, 2004 10:33 AM — linkOn that much we can agree, Bill.
Happy New Year to you as well.
dave frey says:
posted on December 27, 2004 10:45 AM — linkJust to add to this, the Tuberville-to-LSU rumors just won't seem to die here in Baton Rouge. There are now reports from credible sources that LSU may indeed talk to him.
*If* LSU hires Tuberville (I still think that's pretty far fetched, but let's pretend), I'll be disappointed, but I'll give them the benefit of a clean slate and support him until he gives me a reason not to.
At the end of the day, I want LSU to win football games. Lots of them. If they're doing that, and I don't particularly care for the coach, I'll learn to deal with it.
But as I said, I don't really see this as a possibility.
Jeff Quinton says:
posted on December 27, 2004 11:49 AM — linkDietzel was the last SC coach to beat Clemson back-to-back.
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Dec 27, 2004 12:27 PMReports as recently as Friday indicate that LSU defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has talked to Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden about the defensive coordinator position vacated when Bowden fired John Lovett. Chris Landry, an NFL consultant in Baton R...
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Dec 27, 2004 12:44 PMESPN discusses an Atlanta-Journal Constitution report that Jimmy Sexton, agent for both departing LSU head coach Nick Saban and Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville, has permission to talk to LSU about their head coaching vacancy. The AJC report indicate...
Jeff Quinton says:
posted on December 27, 2004 01:13 PM — linkHouston Nutt is mentioned in this article along with Les Miles, Butch Davis, Kirk Ferentz, Terry Robiskie, Bobby Petrino and Dennis Erickson.
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Dec 27, 2004 1:38 PMArkansas head coach Houston Nutt told the Morning News of Northwest Arkansas he has not been contacted by LSU officials about the Tigers' head coaching vacancy created by the resignation of Nick Saban. Notably, Nutt did not deny interest in the opening...
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Dec 27, 2004 8:56 PMDespite signing a new deal to stay at Louisville, Cardinals Head Coach Bobby Petrino will interview for the head coach position at LSU. The Tiger's position came open this week when Nick Saban announced he was leaving to coach the Miami Dolphins. ESPN....
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on December 28, 2004 09:39 AM — linkComments on the LSU Head Coach search? Share your thoughts here!
