What Nick Saban said about the current state of LSU and coaching carousel

Jeff Hauser

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What Nick Saban said about the current state of LSU and coaching carousel image

The LSU Tigers football program is in the midst of a self-evaluation period. No head coach, an interim athletic director, and a governor seemingly calling the shots in the background. So what's next in Baton Rouge? 

Some have wondered if Nick Saban would jump out of retirement and try to bring LSU back to being a top program. However, there might be better odds of winning the lottery at this point. The legendary coach sat down with The Pat McAfee Show on Friday and unpacked all the craziness of this coaching carousel. 

Saban had a lengthy response to the current state of coaching and if he has considered a return at any point after leaving Alabama.  

“One of the things that is really important now in college football, and let me make a comparison for you," Saban said. "In the NFL, everything’s vertically integrated in one building. In other words, the rules are clearly defined by the league as to what you can and can’t do. Whether it’s salary cap, contracts, whatever it is. You either succeed or fail based on what happens in the building.

"From the owner to the GM, to the coaches, to the personnel folks, to the player. College is just kind of the opposite. Everything’s happening externally; not internally like it is in the NFL."

Saban was quick to point out how the new era in college football has altered things being "business as usual."  There's a lot more to consider and isn't just coaching anymore.

“So you’ve got all these external factors that are constantly changing," Saban added. "Whether it’s the transfer portal, how much you can pay guys, revenue sharing, what kind of collective you have. So, traditionally, how have you been able to adapt to that? And my point about tradition is, some of the traditional jobs, like LSU, that people always looked at as one of the best jobs, have they adapted to all these things like they need to be able to continue to be one of the best jobs in the country? 

"I think that’s why you see Vandy, Indiana... Places who have not historically been traditionally great jobs, actually having a lot of success now, because they have managed the external factors very well to bring it in-house, so that they can function effectively."

"So what’s to say LSU, Florida... They’re traditionally the best jobs. But are they the best jobs now, relatively speaking. Based on how they’ve adapted to the external circumstances, that really affects your ability to be successful in college football?”

Saban wanted to make sure everyone knew where he stood. There's no magic coming back to the sideline, at least as long as he's at ESPN.  “No way,” Saban told McAfee. “I have so much fun working with you. Why would I go do that?”

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Editorial Team