Nick Saban Reportedly Told Lane Kiffin the LSU Job Is Better Than Alabama - And That’s Raising Eyebrows in Tuscaloosa
In a twist that’s sure to rattle some cages in Tuscaloosa, reports are circulating that Nick Saban - yes, that Nick Saban - told Lane Kiffin the LSU job is better than the Alabama job. Let that sink in for a second.
This is the same Nick Saban who turned Alabama into the gold standard of college football, winning six national titles in Tuscaloosa after grabbing one in Baton Rouge. The same man who still has an office at Bryant-Denny Stadium, still dons the crimson on College GameDay, and still won’t pick against the Tide on national television. And yet, he apparently gave Kiffin a nudge toward LSU over staying at Ole Miss.
That endorsement reportedly played a role in Kiffin choosing Baton Rouge as his next stop. And while it might sound like a simple conversation between two coaching veterans, the implications are anything but.
Saban Covered for Kiffin on GameDay - But Not Everyone's Buying It
During the latest College GameDay broadcast, Saban appeared to run interference for Kiffin amid the whirlwind of coaching drama involving LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida. He framed the chaos not as a Lane Kiffin problem, but as a broader issue within college football’s hiring culture.
That explanation didn’t land smoothly with everyone. Critics pointed out the awkwardness of Saban and Kirk Herbstreit publicly defending Kiffin’s situation while brushing aside the optics of a coach trying to juggle a College Football Playoff appearance with a job change. It felt a little too convenient - especially knowing that Kiffin had made a push to coach Ole Miss in the CFP before officially heading to LSU.
The Jimmy Sexton Web
There’s another layer to this, and his name is Jimmy Sexton. He’s the power broker behind the scenes - a super-agent who represents not just Saban and Kiffin, but several major figures on College GameDay. The connections are deep, and they’re raising questions about how much of this coaching carousel is being orchestrated from boardrooms rather than locker rooms.
Saban’s involvement in the LSU-Kiffin situation, especially if he gave his blessing, is striking. Not because his coaching legacy is in jeopardy - that’s cemented in bronze outside Bryant-Denny - but because it blurs the line between advisor and competitor. For Alabama fans, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
Is Saban Playing Defense for Alabama?
Here’s a theory that’s gaining traction: maybe Saban isn’t just helping Kiffin - maybe he’s protecting Alabama from Kiffin.
Let’s not forget, Saban knows Kiffin better than most. Their time together at Alabama was successful on the field but turbulent behind the scenes.
Saban famously dismissed Kiffin before the national title game, citing concerns about his focus and preparation as he transitioned to the FAU job. That decision wasn’t made lightly, and it speaks to the standard Saban demands.
Fast forward to now: Kiffin reportedly wanted to coach Ole Miss in the CFP before making the jump to LSU. That request was denied.
It’s hard not to see echoes of the past here - a coach with one foot out the door trying to stay in the spotlight. If Saban’s past actions set the precedent, it’s possible he’s trying to prevent Alabama from going through that circus again.
Tide Fans Left With Mixed Emotions
For Alabama fans still unsure about Kalen DeBoer and looking for a spark, the idea of Kiffin returning to Tuscaloosa had its appeal. But if Saban truly steered Kiffin away - and toward a division rival, no less - that’s going to sting. Loyalty runs deep in SEC country, and while Saban’s legacy is untouchable on the field, this move hits a little too close to home for some.
In the end, this isn’t just about one coach helping another. It’s about the power dynamics in college football, the behind-the-scenes influence of agents, and the delicate balance between legacy and loyalty.
Saban’s always played the long game. Whether this is another chess move or just a favor for an old colleague, it’s clear the ripple effects are being felt all across the SEC.