Would Nick Saban return to coaching to fill the LSU vacancy? Here's what could happen
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The story this week is that no head coaches were fired. Ten head coaching positions are open in the Power Four leagues with LSU, Penn State, Auburn and Florida leading the way. The betting line actually has former Alabama head coach Nick Saban as the favorite to take over at LSU but he’s denied publicly that there is any chance of his return. The problem is Saban also denied he would be the coach at Alabama before taking the job and how’d that go?
Anyway, LSU’s former coach, Brian Kelly, filed suit against the university asking that the court declare his firing was “without cause” and he should receive his full $54 million buyout. Kelly was always an outsider, never accepted by LSU fans and didn’t win enough games with the talent he had. When he was announced as the Tigers’ new head coach, Kelly showed up with a fake Southern accent. It was all downhill from there. Negotiating a buyout instead of filing suit would actually show some accountability by Kelly, but when did the last fired head coach take the moral high ground? He’d still be filthy rich (he rejected $30 million and the elimination of a mitigation provision on any future employment) and his character could get a needed boost. The ultimate humiliation is that his team quit on him in his last game against Texas A&M (49-25). Otherwise, the pride of Everett, Mass., and Assumption College in Worcester is giving all New Englanders a very bad rap.
Coaches look for openings elsewhere
Penn State may open the books up for Eli Drinkwitz to leave Missouri. Drinkwitz is credited with getting the Tigers to a competitive level although never in the College Football Playoff. Eventually, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin will start the dominoes falling as he appears in the running for numerous college openings and even the NFL.
Some of them seem to be delusional
The chapter is finally closed on Michigan State’s fired head coach Mel Tucker. MSU negotiated a settlement with the NCAA acknowledging numerous violations, including using three ineligible players. The penalty is three years of probation, the forfeiture of 14 games in which those players participated, recruiting limits and about a million dollars. Meanwhile, Tucker is still in litigation trying to collect on the nearly $80 million he is owed if fired without cause. Good luck.
Meanwhile, coach Mike Norvell thinks his 4-5 Florida State Seminoles can turn it around next year and win a championship. Seriously? FSU is merely delaying the inevitable when his performance supposedly will be reviewed at the end of the year. News flash. His dismissal is imminent.
The other big news is about a coach who hasn’t been fired — yet. North Carolina’s Bill Belichick, when asked about the open New York Giants head coach position (Brian Daboll was fired) said he’s getting ready for Wake Forest this week. Belichick looks lost on the sidelines and the media hysteria that emerged with his hiring has disappeared and been replaced with cries for his firing. Going to the Giants would provide a smooth landing for both the school and Belichick. A great solution to an ongoing problem but the Giants would need to cooperate.
Hurricanes’ 2 losses in ACC might leave them out
Miami may be the highest-ranked ACC team in the CFP at No. 15 but the Hurricanes are on the outside looking in with many teams in the league having one conference loss. They will need a lot of help to get to the ACC Championship game as their two losses are in conference and the league will receive just one automatic berth for its champion.
CFP committee chairman Mack Rhoades stepped down after undisclosed allegations were made against him. This is a developing story that has serious implications for the CFP.
My Top 25 picks
No. 10 Texas (7-2) at No. 5 Georgia (8-1) (-7): A huge game with national implications. Texas was off last week while Georgia finally played a complete game, blowing out Mississippi State. I like Dawg quarterback Gunner Stockton, who’s getting better each week and making good decisions. But the Texas defense is arguably the fastest in college football. They bend but don’t break. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart actually brought in former Florida coach Billy Napier, who defeated Texas this year, to Bulldog practice. Nothing like trying to get an edge. How well Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning plays will dictate whether the game is competitive. He will be pressured and it was interesting that coach Steve Sarkisian chose to rely on bubble screens rather than throw the ball vertically. Georgia will not allow those easy screen completions so Manning must play better than he has all year. Saturday night between the hedges in Athens? Where else would I rather be? The shutdown might still affect the airlines but it won’t prevent me from seeing this one in person. Texas has more motivation and keeps this close with a chance to pull the upset.No. 11 Oklahoma (7-2) at No. 4 Alabama (8-1)(-7): ‘Bama seems to have found its identity after the opening game loss to Florida State. Ty Simpson has become an elite quarterback surrounded by talent and the Tide’s defense is ranked No. 18 nationally. Head coach Kalen DeBoer appears to be accepted but a short losing streak could change that. The Sooners must win this game to keep their CFP hopes alive and I like their attack-oriented defense, which comes at you and forced turnovers at Tennessee. They need to control the ball and score early. Playing from behind is not an option and quarterback John Mateer, who is still recovering from surgery on his throwing hand, must play fast and turnover-free football. Another close game. Take the points in a game the Sooners could win outright.
No. 21 Iowa (6-3) at No. 17 USC (7-2) (-6.5): Lots of rumors have been circulating about the status of Trojan coach Lincoln Riley. The fact is that his Trojans are still alive for a CFP berth if they can win out. I don’t know what the Hawkeyes have left after their demoralizing loss, 18-16, to Oregon at home last week. The weather’s is going to be a washout — as in nonstop rain so maybe there’s a chance for Iowa. Nah. That’s my heart talking again. Expect USC to get the edge early and run away with it.
No. 9 Notre Dame (7-2) (-11) at No. 21 Pitt (7-2): Coach Pat Narduzzi does a great job with the Panthers and they will be at home, but there’s no chance here. Irish role!
followtheschreib61@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Would Nick Saban return to coaching to fill the vacancy at LSU?
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos