Nick Saban Coaching Rumors: Crimson Tide Coach Staying Put, But Doesn't Know How Much Longer
ByAlabama's schedule has been mostly smooth sailing this season, save for a stressful win over Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M, but how much longer can Nick Saban sit at the helm of College Football's biggest powerhouse? Saban is not quite sure.
According to ESPN, the Crimson Tide's coach said in an interview on his radio show he has not "put a timetable" on his retirement. Since rumors of his leaving Alabama for what briefly appeared to be a soon-to-be vacant head coaching job at Texas, Saban has reiterated he will retire as the head coach of the Crimson Tide.
When Mack Brown appeared to be on his way out at Texas, Saban was a popular candidate to replace him. Then Brown stated he had no intention of leaving and then Longhorns started winning and then Mrs. Saban buried the rumors even further.
Nick's wife of 42 years, Terry, told the Wall Street Journal last week the two are not leaving Tuscaloosa, Ala.
"We're staying," she said. "We're not going anywhere."
That in mind, Saban has previously said he is "too old" to relocate and now he hinted that when he feels he has nothing left in the tank, he will consider retirement.
"I'm happy with what I'm doing and I feel like I can make a contribution to the young people, and they respond to do things the right way and is actually benefiting them to help them be more successful in their life," said Saban, 62. "As long as I'm healthy and can do that and I'm happy doing it, then I'm going to do it."
Saban is under contract until 2019 and will be 67 at that time. He said he will have a "difficult" decision on whether to retire or try to keep coaching.
The Crimson Tide have been extraordinarily successful under Saban, winning three BCS National Championships in the last seven seasons. They are poised to win their third consecutive crystal football after a dominant season. With the number-one defense in terms of points allowed, the Crimson Tide shut out their opponent three times this season. The only time a team even came close to winning was week two when Johnny Manziel and A&M put up 42 points and still lost by a touchdown.
Still, Saban will be tested this Saturday against Auburn, but even with a loss, Alabama has a very good chance of making the National Championship.