Dear Mr. Saban,
Like most LSU fans, I am dismayed that the collective set of rewards offered by my alma mater's head football coaching position are not sufficient to keep you in Baton Rouge. I will not pretend to understand all the factors that motivate you to pursue goals in the National Football League, but I will acknowledge them.
Who can say what another 10 or 20 years might hold in the LSU/Saban relationship? You know as well as anyone that the relationship between a college fan base and a successful coach is as complex as it is fragile. I remember quite well how shabbily we treated the late Charles McClendon at the end of his long tenure in 1979. We all watch as Penn State ignores the elephant in the living room and allows Joe Paterno to linger. I also recall great coaches leaving the game after having influenced countless disciples who demonstrated through accomplishments the true legacy of their mentors.
I do not think you should remain because we want you to stay - for golden chains and velvet ropes still a prisoner make. Stay only because you are satisfied that LSU is where your legacy and legend should be made - that you would prefer a legion of purple and gold clad Sabanites, players and coaches, marching from Tigerland to excel in all phases of football over a bronze bust in Canton.
The speculation and doubt surrounding your position that has become an annual media circus can only be ended by you. If the opportunity in Miami is not what you seek, make it your last such quest. But failing that, go - and go now with my most sincere wishes for success in achieving your highest aspirations. And take with you my thanks and the echoes of the many thousands of Tiger Faithful who will always remember St. Nick.
Very truly yours,
Schmedulov Jostikovitch
Amen.
Posted by: dave | Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 09:36 AM
I don't find fault in Coach Saban's desire to take himself to the next level. Holtz did it. Spurrier did it.
I wish Coach Saban every bit of success that other great college coaches have had after leaping to the NFL, should he choose to do so.
After returning LSU to its rightful status as one of the premier college football programs in the country, and securing himself a stable environment where continued excellence is possible (as well as perpetually rising paychecks), it makes sense to risk it all on a couple of years of $4 million checks, right?
Coach apparently doesn't understand that there is no dishonor in being regarded as one of the best college coaches EVER. Of course, after being drummed out of the NFL 3 years from now he'll be left to cry himself all the way to the bank...tough life.
The only thing Nick Saban has to lose is how he will be regarded by football historians. My pride is a bit injured by the prospect of LSU being regarded as a "stepping stone" coaching position.
Posted by: Murph | Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 02:21 PM
"... it makes sense to risk it all on a couple of years of $4 million checks, right?
Well,
a) you're making the assumption that he's doing it for the money. I really don't think he is. I think it's about ambition and new challenges. I really think the guy has a lifelong dream of winning a Super Bowl. I can't begrudge him that.
b) on a purely practical level, it IS worth throwing away for a few years of $5M checks (the new offer is reportedly $5M per year, not 4). Even if he goes 3 years and flops, he's got $15M vs. the $7.5M he'd have staying here. Call me simple, but that's a lot of extra money. Yeah, you can say he doesn't need it or it doesn't matter when you're already a multi millionaire, but I don't think that's true. We now know for sure that Nick has NFL ownership aspirations. Under that scenario, an extra $7.5M in the bank comes in pretty handy.
Posted by: dave | Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 09:36 AM
I'm just being crappy.
Of course, you can't see my facial expression while I'm typing. Please note the "cry to the bank" comment.
Posted by: Murphy | Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 09:43 AM