I would be surpised if he left. A common theme from his interviews is the "it was so tough and hard to leave MSU because it was so tough on my family". Don't doubt it was tough, also wonder if it's an olive branch to MSU. I read in an interview where he says he still roots for and follows MSU. He is friends with Tom Izzo and he still has friends in Michigan. Or that could be just a method for making negotiations go his way. I would be surprised if he left LSU after this season, very surprised, but with the money they can throw around, I wouldn't blame him for considering it.
I totally agree Ralph. I think we have Saban for at the very least a few more years. I just don't see him leaving after building this program. I know two years ago he said he wouldn't leave (or consider it) until his kids graduated from HS. That was two years ago, so I have no idea what grade his kids are in . . . but he seems happy and even his wife is saying all the right things about not leaving. However, it is nice for Saban to get all that praise for a job well done in BR.
I read in an interview that Nick felt his job wasn't very secure at MSU. I actually read where he thought he was going to get fired after his 3rd season after the blowout bowl loss and after his fourth season since he didnt make a bowl. He always got contract extensions. But, supposedly after the 99 Michigan game he asked the President at MSU for an extention and was told "we'll talk after the season". Also heard that he gave MSU a chance to match the offer or come close to it after he got the offer from LSU. MSU said no and he left. Remember he left without ever setting foot in Baton Rouge.
I know if I had a choice between making what Saban is going to make to coach LSU, for the length of the contract that he will have, or coaching an NFL team, I would be staying my butt at LSU! You can only spend so much money, anyway!
Ralph, thanks for the MSU perspective. I never really knew how we got him from MSU, or what was going on with MSU before he decided to come to LSU.
never trust what the coach says. If you want to know whether a coach is leaving talk to the wife. A coach will never agree to leave somewhere without getting his wife's blessing first. If Mrs Saban says their leaving then the bags are getting packed. I for one hope Mrs Saban is very happy. If she's happy then Coach Saban is happy. Plus money isnt everything guys. Coach Saban makes plenty to live nice now. He could run for Govenor Of Louisiana if he wanted and win in a landslide. If you are happy that is worth so much more than happy. I know a few people with money and some are happy and some are not. It isnt money that drives most people in their job if their making enough money. It is the satisfaction the job brings. Thats my take anyway. Geaux Tigers
