During his coaching tenure at MSU, Saban and Sexton were trying to hatch a plan to get Saban to the NFL. They knew the only way to get a head coaching job in the NFL was to either be a longtime NFL coordinator or a successful college coach. When the LSU job came available Saban was more than happy to come here. He built a program on local talent and started to make a niche for himself. The first NFL rumors started flying in 2002, but Saban didn't budge because the timing was not ripe. After the 2003 season he turned down the Bears ONLY because he was not given full control of the team. During this time he told Sexton that he was interested in Miami and that Wannstadt (sp?) was in the hotseat. Don't forget hiring his friend Bobby Williams as an assistant. Williams used to be a pro receiver coach and Saban probably didn't want him locked down with a head coaching job when the time came to move to the pros. Then the Dolphins came along and gave Saban what he always wanted with a pro team, that is control. Saban is a driven man and control freak so he would not pass this opportunity up. With the success of LSU as his proof of coaching and the control over a pro team, there was no way he was staying. Saban used us to get to the pros and we used him to help build a dynasty and win a national championship. Like they say "It's just business." I am glad that Saban did what he did here, but the next coach I want has to be committed to LSU, as well as winning. Flame away if you think that Saban did not plan on being in the pros after 5 years.
