Nick Saban’s storied coaching career has cemented him as one of football’s all-time greats, but even legends aren’t immune to regret.
During an appearance on The Pivot podcast, Saban opened up about what he considers the biggest misstep of his career: leaving LSU to coach the Miami Dolphins in December 2004.
At the time of his departure, Saban had just wrapped up a remarkable five-season run at LSU.
Under his leadership, the Tigers posted a 48–16 record, captured two SEC titles, and won a national championship in the 2003 season.
Despite a solid 9–3 finish in 2004, Saban decided to test the waters of the NFL.
When Clark suggested that Saban’s career appeared to be a series of flawless decisions, he asked if there was anything the iconic coach would change.
Saban didn’t hesitate…
“When I left LSU, that was probably professionally the biggest mistake that I ever made,” he said. “Not because we didn’t have success in Miami, because I enjoyed coaching in Miami.
“But I found out in that experience that I like coaching in college better because you could develop players – personally, academically, athletically and all that – a little more than in pro ball.”
Although Saban said he appreciated the prestige of coaching in the NFL and the opportunity to compete at the highest level, he missed the unique challenges of college football.
He also shared a pivotal moment with his agent, Jimmy Sexton, who posed a question that stuck with him.
“So then, I can’t go back to LSU. Go to Alabama, and no disrespect to Alabama, it’s not Alabama versus LSU,” Saban said. “Jimmy Sexton stood on the balcony when I was getting ready to leave LSU… and he said, ‘What do your legacy to be as a coach? Do you want to be Vince Lombardi or do you want to be Bear Bryant?’ And without hesitation, I said Bear Bryant. And he said, ‘What are you doing going to Miami then?'”
Despite this sage advice, Saban took the leap to the NFL.
His two seasons with the Dolphins ended with a 15–17 record, including a disappointing 6–10 finish in 2006.
By January 2007, Saban had accepted the head coaching position at Alabama, and the rest is history.
Over 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa, Saban compiled a staggering 201–29 record, won nine SEC championships, and delivered six national titles.
He has since redefined success in college football and now freely acknowledges that his heart has always been in the college game.
What are your thoughts on Saban’s comments???
