LSU’s Saban Weighs Dolphins Coaching Job

DAVIE, Fla. – A plane owned by Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga landed Friday in Baton Rouge, La. – perhaps to bring LSU coach Nick Saban to the NFL.

Saban, who received an offer Wednesday by the Dolphins, met with athletic director Skip Bertman at school offices. At his home Thursday night, Saban spoke with his agent, Jimmy Sexton.

Saban previously said he’d prefer to resolve the situation by Christmas Day, when Louisiana State travels to Orlando for its Jan. 1 bowl game against Iowa.

Saban has been approached previously by at least five NFL teams, including a year ago by Atlanta and Chicago, but the Dolphins’ job has special appeal despite the team’s 3-11 record. This is Miami’s first losing season since 1988, and owner Wayne Huizenga has offered Saban full authority over the football operation.

“He feels this organization and this owner may not happen again,” Bertman said Thursday. “He knows he can go to the NFL any time he wants, but he feels like if he turns down this chance, it may not come around again with this team and this owner.”

So why the hesitation to take the job?

“Because LSU is a great opportunity, and there’s no reason to give it up,” Bertman said. “He knows there are risks in the NFL. There’s the salary cap, there’s a different kind of player. And he won’t be able to teach, which he really likes. He won’t be able to touch lives like he does here.”

Bertman dismissed reports that LSU made Saban a counteroffer. Saban already is the highest-paid coach in college football and in the first year of an $18.45 million, seven-year deal, but the Dolphins’ offer is believed to exceed $4 million per year.

“We said all along it’s not about money,” Bertman said. “Nick does not want to renegotiate his contract. … The question is: Does he stay here and continue to build, or does he take on a new challenge?”

LSU fans held out hope that Saban would stay. Atop a “wish list” posted at a smoothie shop near the LSU campus was world peace, followed by “Saban as Coach.”

The Dolphins’ offer came when Huizenga met with Sexton in Fort Lauderdale. Miami players expressed disappointment the offer didn’t go to popular interim coach Jim Bates.

“It hurts,” cornerback Sam Madison said. “But he’s going to continue to do his job, and we’re going to continue to do our job for him.”

Bates, preparing for Sunday’s game against Cleveland, declined to discuss the situation as the Dolphins took the practice field.

“When I started this job, the main focus was to prepare this team to win games, to improve this team, to give them a positive note going out in a tough year with everything that has taken place,” Bates said. “That is still my objective.”

Bates is 2-3 since taking over as interim coach, including Monday night’s upset victory over Super Bowl champion New England.

The Dolphins were 1-8 when Dave Wannstedt resigned. He became coach Thursday at the University of Pittsburgh, his alma mater.

Bates said the Saban situation won’t distract the Dolphins in their two remaining games.

“Remember this: This team is like a sponge,” Bates said. “The more we get, the more we take, and the better we’ll be.”

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AP Sports Writer Mary Foster in New Orleans contributed to this report.