Nick Saban's reaction to Jim Mora's departure from UConn to Colorado State.

Jeff Hauser

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Nick Saban reacts to Jim Mora leaving UConn for Colorado State image

TL;DR

  • Nick Saban learned of Jim Mora's departure for Colorado State on The Pat McAfee Show.
  • Saban believes the hiring is excellent for Colorado State but questions the timing.
  • Saban expressed concern about Mora leaving a thriving UConn program for a rebuilding one.
  • Saban thinks Mora is a good coach, great for Colorado State, but not for UConn.

Although Nick Saban wasn't the first to learn of UConn coach Jim Mora's departure for Colorado State, he did express some firm views on the matter.

Saban responded live on Wednesday's The Pat McAfee Show, emphasizing that the hiring was excellent for The Rams but raised significant concerns regarding its timing. 

“No, I had not heard that,” Saban said during about Mora. “But I don’t know why he would do such a thing.”

McAfee echoed the same sentiment regarding Mora’s choice. Saban’s primary concern was the rationale behind Mora’s departure from a thriving program for a rebuilding endeavor in Fort Collins. Despite Colorado State’s transition to the Pac-12, the position is generally viewed as a transitional role for most coaches. 

During Mora's tenure, the Huskies achieved consecutive nine-win seasons. He also guided Skyler Bell, the school's inaugural Biletnikoff finalist. The situation becomes even more perplexing considering Mora's NFL coaching experience, now seemingly having to start from scratch, as it were.

“I like Jim Mora. I think he’s a really good coach,” Saban said. “It’s great for Colorado State, I think not so good for UConn.”

Saban's contention wasn't about skill. It concerned the legacy of a coach who ought to be considering a Power Four position.

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