Note: This site has been unreliable at times so I'd say the deal is not done yet but this is good news if it's true. POSTED 11:42 p.m. EST, January 7, 2004 SABAN TELLS BEARS HE'S STAYING PUT Though we've been doing this long enough to realize that no one who matters (or the AP) ever will give us credit for being the first ones to the punch on an important story, we'll report with a very high degree of confidence (and with the knowledge that someone out there will use this as a launching pad for "confirmation") that LSU coach Nick Saban has informed the Bears that he plans to remain with the team that he just took to the BCS Championship. Saban, we're told, personally called G.M. Jerry Angelo on Wednesday evening to report his decision. Earlier on Wednesday, we heard unconfirmed reports that LSU had upped its offer to a ridiculous $4 million per year over 10 years, with a guarantee that Saban will be the highest paid NCAA football coach for the life of the deal. As of this posting, however, we were unable to find any corroboration of these terms on the 'Net. Still, something happened on Wednesday to sway Saban. The prior offer from the Tigers was $2.5 million per year, and the Bears were ready to drop on the table a package worth $3 million annually. We don't know at this point whether the Bears had a chance to match or exceed any new offers from LSU; all we know is that Saban will be back in Baton Rouge. http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
Most of this makes sense. I am not convinced about the $4 million, but look for the LSU contract to be $3 mil per year for 10 years. JMO.
this could be why Early Doucet is deciding to commit friday instead of waiting till his final visit on the 16th. I don't think he would commit this soon if he didn't know something.
Now I know I may get ripped apart for saying this, but $4 million? Even college football has gone crazy. But if that's what it takes these days, then so be it. If we want to compete on this level for years to come, I guess that's what it's gonna take. I just think that coaching pay is getting ridiculous. But, let's do it if we have to. Doesn't mean we have to like it I guess.
T, it is a large sum of money but if anybody deserves it, Nick Saban does. Let's lock him up for 5-10 years ! He will bring us another national championship at some point in the future.
I don't buy the 4 mil. Skip said there was no way LSU could match a salary of 3 mil if another NCAA coach was paid that much. BUT, maybe the ole boy said this as a decoy? Doesn't matter, I'd give Nick 5 mil and my wife to stay if I thought he would leave. Might even throw in my dog.
BB, you and I have gotta have a beer together one day! We could talk about trains and trucks and momma and gettin drunk.
4 mil per year! Good lord coaches all over the NCAA are jumping for joy and ADs are crying in their wheaties.
