Fans Are Blaming Nick Saban For Lane Kiffin Controversy

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Fans Are Blaming Nick Saban For Lane Kiffin Controversy

There are plenty of college football fans furious with legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban this week.

During this past Saturday's episode of "College GameDay," Saban said Ole Miss wouldn't let Lane Kiffin finish out the 2025 season if he accepts LSU's offer. That comment was made before the offensive-minded coach made his decision. Most fans assumed Saban had a good idea of where Kiffin was heading since they spoke earlier in the week.

By Sunday afternoon, Kiffin officially announced that he's becoming LSU's new football coach. At his introductory press conference this Monday, he gave Saban credit while discussing his decision.

"Coach Saban kind of coached at another place in this conference so I can't really say exactly what he said," Kiffin said. "I will say, I think the world of coach Saban and I respect him. So there's a reason I'm here."

Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; ESPN College Gameday analyst Nick Saban before the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Did Saban lead Lane to LSU?

Chris Vannini of The Athletic called out Saban on Monday for "privately encouraging" Kiffin to accept LSU's offer.

"Nick Saban privately encouraging Lane Kiffin to take the LSU job, not disclosing that on TV while saying Ole Miss should let him coach in the playoff, is that going to be addressed?" Vannini said.

As you'd imagine, Vannini isn't the only person frustrated by how Saban handled this situation.

"Saban being essentially an advisor in this process makes the 'GameDay' spiel from him and Herbstreit insisting Kiffin be allowed to coach Ole Miss in the CFP and blaming everyone but Lane all the more cringey," Ben Portnoy of Sports Business Journal said. "Just an unnecessary own goal from everyone involved on that front."

"Bad look. Period," Pat Smith of 3 Man Front wrote. "Shouldn't shock anyone if you follow the agency that Saban, Booger and Herbstreit are represented by.

Saban has not addressed any of the backlash on social media. Perhaps he's waiting until "College GameDay" this weekend to say something.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos