$aban, We Hardly Knew Ye … But We Knew Ye Well Enough

This morning, Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban is supposedly “pondering” an offer to become the University of Alabama’s new head coach. The Tide deal is reportedly worth $32 million over eight years, with stipulations that Saban is given a preset amount of money with which to compile a top-notch coaching staff. He has three years and $15 million left on a deal with the Dolphins, and while he was no doubt looking for the ‘Bama offer to bring more greenbacks from Miami owner Wayne Huizenga, I’m guessing the owner took a look at Saban’s 15-17 record in two years and said, “Um, how about we sniff the playoffs first, then we’ll talk.”

Saban has earned a reputation as the Larry Brown of the football world, a mercenary with no allegiance or loyalty who chases the bucks around and makes sure he gets out of town before the pressure becomes too intense. The difference is that Larry Brown has a personality and has won on the game’s biggest stage. Saban shared a national title at LSU, but now is shrinking from the challenge of coaching in the big leagues. If you can’t handle the South Beach heat, that is fine; just don’t lie to your owner, your assistants, your players and your fans in the process. From Michigan State to LSU to the Dolphins, Saban has burned bridges every step of the way. When you’re winning, the people on the other side of the divide have short memories … when you’re not, it is eventually going to catch up to you.

Saban’s caustic personality never played well in Miami. His first order of business was finding a stable quarterback, reinforcing a weak offensive line or at least adding youth to an elderly defense, right? No. He shut down the media headquarters that was housed in the team facility. Then he made assistants off-limits to the press. Then he established an antagonistic relationship with the beat writers. Then he began drafting players based solely on whether they played for or against him in college. Then he blew close games. Then he picked Daunte Culpepper over Drew Brees. Then he was on the hot seat. Then he began the lying.

Now the South Florida media is rightly justified in blasting Saban for his lack of integrity and character. Dave Hyde, in my opinion the finest sports columnist in the Southeast, wrote in the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel that it’s not the end of the world if Saban goes, and that maybe the coach is actually hearing voices. Greg Cote of the Miami Herald wonders if it isn’t high time that the ‘Fins actually got a “straightforward coach.” And Charles Elmore of the Palm Beach Post says we’ll find out if Saban has a sense of honor, but that Miami shouldn’t give him another dime under any circumstances.

Yes, it’s possible that Saban stays with the Dolphins. It’s also possible that Jay Fiedler makes a dramatic comeback, completely with the ability to throw an out pattern. But even if he does, he has lost the trust and faith of everyone in the franchise. If he gets swept by the Bills again, will he turn an eye toward the Tennessee job? If he blows a game to the Jets once more, will Louisiana Tech start looking good to him? If he falls further behind the Patriots, will he begin calling New Mexico State to voice his interest? He has defined who he is and what he is about by his lying about everything thus far, and he has gone too far down the road to come back now.

So let’s sum up the Nick Saban era by talking about things you don’t want in the coach of your team. You’d prefer he’s not an insufferable, collosal Richard. You’d like to think he treats subordinates with respect. You’d want to believe he’s a man of his word. You’d think it would be best if he didn’t go 1-5 in his division. You’d feel somewhat strongly that he handle himself professionally and with patience. You’d hope that he would honor his commitment enough to turn away suitors politely but firmly. And you’d wish that he was someone you would be proud to call your coach and hold up to your son as a role model. That’s a big O-fer there, Nick.

So something tells me that the Crimson Tide and Nick $aban deserve each other. Enjoy Tuscaloosa … but a quick word of advice. Don’t lose to Auburn or you may just find that the bridge back to the rest of the coaching world is really just a prop from an Indiana Jones movie.