Lance Thompson, Auburn’s outside linebacker coach who left Alabama’s staff in January, says he has not spoken with Nick Saban since his departure.
RELATED: Saban not happy with assistant’s jump to Auburn
Talking with AL.com this week, Thompson says he keeps in touch with other assistants and wished his former team the best — as much as a rival can do.
“Since I told him I was leaving? None,” Thompson said, according to the media outlet. “Me and Nick don’t have anything to talk about right now. But I don’t got any hard feelings towards coach. He does a tremendous job. Looking forward to playing against him.”
Thompson jumped at the opportunity to coach alongside Will Muschamp with the Tigers. He worked on Saban’s Alabama staff a total of five seasons — 2007-08 and 2012-14, all as linebackers coach.
Here’s what Saban had to say following Thompson’s move to the Plains in January:
“We’ve had several opportunities and given Lance several opportunities through the years and this same circumstance has occurred several times before and I can’t really tell you why coaches do what they do. I think the best thing you can do is ask him, not me. We’ll do the best we can to find the best replacement for him. The guy did a good job when he was with us and we wish him well. We’ve always wished him well and we’ll continue to have the best program we can have for our players and get the best coaches and teachers for our players.”
In three months, this will be decided on the field at Auburn.
