Re: Trent Richardson's Opinion Of Saban Leaving Bama(link)
There is obviously a little more to it than the media refusing to let it die. Of course, the guy reporting he's vetting a staff for his NFL job seems to not realize that he could simply be looking for replacements for potential openings on his staff here at Alabama that we already know about (Pruitt) and some we may not know about until after the season. Anyway, something is going on here like when the Saban to Bama story refused to die back in late 2007.
I think Saban may honestly be uninterested but he's giving a similar response to the NFL suitors that he did to Alabama in 2007: I'm not talking to anyone until after the season. This may be instilling some hope from the interested franchises and keeping the story from relenting. There is some reason why this story won't just die. It could just be a Sexton power play for a record-setting contract extension for any coach pro or college.
Recruiting hasn't had any downtrack due to fear of departure, so I get the feeling that Saban is truly unlikely to leave. It has to have been a discussion point for Robert Foster the last few weeks and he pulled the trigger for us unexpectedly. I'm leaning towards Saban's refusal to speak to other teams mid-season being a big reason for this...he won't talk to them and flat out deny their offer because he's consumed with the job at hand. Remember the whole reason we offered RichRod was because Saban's agent expressly said he would entertain no offers or discussion until after the season. I think Sexton is just playing this for an epic contract extension which I have no doubt will happen after the season. I think we may see Saban's per year salary equal the highest paid NFL coach some time next year.
edit: Belichick is paid 7.5mil/year in New England. I think it would be worth it to give Saban a similar contract number. It would certainly declare that Saban has no reason to leave Alabama for money.