I only caught the very tail end of the Coach Bryant era, although even that was pretty glorious. But having read just one too many articles about the annual CNS rumors, I have a question for those who remember most or even all of it:
Were there ever rumors about Coach Bryant leaving for somewhere else - and was it a common thing?
From numerous biographies, I DO know that CPB seriously considered moving to the Miami Dolphins to become their inaugural head coach back in the mid-1960s; even Bryant admitted that. But was there ever a period of time where there were annual rumors ("this year he's going to the Steelers, Bears, or Michigan State" or whatever)?
I realize it's not a precise parallel. Bryant played here, Saban did not. Bryant was not on tape making a bold declaration about his intentions, Saban is. But even in the day it's not like Bryant spent very long at his jobs. He was at Maryland for one year, Kentucky for eight, and then aTm for four. So it would make sense that around 1965 or so - right after winning three national titles in five years - he would be a much sought after coach.
But did that ever happen? Anyone?
Were there ever rumors about Coach Bryant leaving for somewhere else - and was it a common thing?
From numerous biographies, I DO know that CPB seriously considered moving to the Miami Dolphins to become their inaugural head coach back in the mid-1960s; even Bryant admitted that. But was there ever a period of time where there were annual rumors ("this year he's going to the Steelers, Bears, or Michigan State" or whatever)?
I realize it's not a precise parallel. Bryant played here, Saban did not. Bryant was not on tape making a bold declaration about his intentions, Saban is. But even in the day it's not like Bryant spent very long at his jobs. He was at Maryland for one year, Kentucky for eight, and then aTm for four. So it would make sense that around 1965 or so - right after winning three national titles in five years - he would be a much sought after coach.
But did that ever happen? Anyone?