Paul Finebaum says 2015 could be Nick Saban's last season at Alabama
SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum suggested Wednesday that 2015 could be Nick Saban’s last year at Alabama, only if he wins the national championship.
"I believe if Saban wins a National Title he will seriously consider doing something else besides being head coach at Alabama" – @finebaum
— John Hayes (@JohnHayesESPN) December 2, 2015
Saban’s been at the helm of the Crimson Tide’s program since 2007, and there’s been nothing to suggest Finebaum’s theory. Yes, his long-time defensive coordinator Kirby Smart appears to be heading to Georgia, as well as his strength coach Scott Cochran.
However, I suppose one of these years, someone will be right about Saban leaving Alabama.
Saban’s team is primed to win back-to-back SEC Championships Saturday against Florida and head to another College Football Playoff.
Saban has won three national championships while at Alabama in 2009, 2011 and 2012.
I was quietly thinking that if Mario, Kirby, Mel, and Lane all left, Coach would probably go to Texas. Kirby is a great DC but can be replaced, Scott Cochran leaving is an absolute blow to the team
Do you really think it’s impossible to replace a loud roid-rage cokehead strength and conditioning coach? Go to any decent high school football team and you’ll find a couple. Sure Cochran is known by the fans but that’s also easily replaced.
He may be a loud mouth, but Bama hasn’t had any problems with getting tired late in games since he’s been there. Hell, ESPN did a segment on his fairly well known 4th quarter workouts
He loses coordinators all the time…
I don’t think loosing coordinators drives him away but he’s 64 so maybe not this year but he’ll be done in the next couple of years.
Of course he will wrap it up sometime. According to the media and fans of other teams he has been leaving every season since 2008…
I’ve heard Dallas or Indy to take one last stab at NFL success. Just rumors though.
I don’t think there’s any way in hell he would ever end up in Dallas. Saban would want full control of the team, but damn sure wouldn’t get it as long as Jerry is the owner.
true. who would want to coach for ol leatherface?
I LISTEN TO PAUL LIKE I DO A FART. IT’S JUST HOT AIR AND STINKS.
PLEASE let this be true! Please! As long as he is there this is Bama’s league!
Has he ever been correct?
I love Paul’s show but this one is way off. I would be worried if these assistants were not going for these vacancies. That would mean there is a vacancy at home. Coach Nick is in a class by himself. It’s not about the money (anymore), but it’s about the challenge. As it’s been said before, to repeat as champions is the most difficult job in sports. (and no one does it better) A Coach Saban recruit visit is a city holiday in most towns. Roll Tide!
Excellent point… If Kirby was staying, I would be more worried…
Actually I’ve thought the same thing for several weeks now. He’s 64. A multimillionaire. If he wins it this year, that’s 4 at Bama and 1 at LSU. He has already said he misses spending time with his grandchild. Obviously I hope he stays but I wouldn’t exactly be shocked if he retired on a high note.
Remember, this is the same guy that said Saban and Bama (what did he say..?? “the dynasty is over”…well guess what they won the west …again…and are one win away from SEC champs…again) were through just weeks ago…so he has his opinion…you know what they say about opinions.
How about Finebaum goes away?? Now that would be good news!
It’s not too far fetched of an idea…he wins another title he can go out on top. Nick Saban will no doubt go down as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, so don’t think I’m comparing coaches here…but nobody wants to go out like Phil Fulmer did or Mac Brown did, or even Mark Richt being let go like he did. Again, before I continue, let me remind you that I’m not saying Fulmer or Brown are up at Saban’s level. But, with UT and UF looking like they could be on the rise again, and the west staying competitive like it has been, you’ve got to believe he’s thinking about it. Nobody wants to have a great coaching career end after one or two 7-5 seasons…or even a 9-3 season. As much as I hate Alabama, it would be a shame to see a legend not leave on a high note. But, it’s Nick Saban and it’s the University of Alabama football. I have no doubt that he could go another 10 years and continue winning the division, conference championships and national championships.
All that said, I just hope whenever he does decide to call it quits, he leaves with a loss to the Vols…
“We are excited about the future and the University of Alabama is where I plan to end my coaching career.”
Enough with the speculation. He’s not leaving.
I also doubt he wants to retire just yet:
“You know my mother had a hole-in-one when she was 80,” Saban said. “I never had one. So I’m thinking I have 16 more good years of golf, and if I can play golf I should be able to coach.”
I don’t think he would leave for another job. The only was I see him leaving Alabama is when he retires. But like I said, I have no doubt in my mind he could go another 10 years if not more. All I’m saying is that Finebaum’s comment isn’t like saying the sky is green. If they win another championship, maybe he decides he’s ready to end it on the highest note. I know there’s not a Bama fan in the world that wants to ever think of him doing anything but coaching at Alabama until the day he dies, but the day will come that he decides to retire. You’re gonna have to deal with it someday.
None of these circumstances are catching Saban unawares. There are plans in place. If there is anything we should have learned about Saban in the last 9 years it is his process that includes every contingency. He does not rebuild yearly, he reloads. If he can recruit the best players, what gives anyone the notion that he is not doing the same with coaches. Every coach that has left for any reason has been replaced with equal or better talent. These coaches will be replaced and the Tide will continue to Roll. Trust the Process. Saban does.
wouldn’t that be a hoot… With all the rumors that Smart has been waiting for his turn at Bama, but leaves for GA, then if Saban wins another championship and retires at the top…. It’d almost be like Saban saying, hmmm Kirby, I guess you’re not that “Smart” after all…
I don’t really know but has Saban ever talked the way he’s talking about Richt being fired or asked what would happen to him if he lost three. He probably would not be fired for one three loss season, but that’s really not the precise point. He did say it.
He was pointing out how the expectations that go along with coaching has gotten out of hand. Dabo and Mclwein commented about it but notice those comments didn’t get an article.
I was hoping it would be Finebaum’s last year.