I was one of the first in line at Coach Saban's book signing at Barnes & Noble on Friday. The Barnes & Noble people had very strict rules about the event, including not allowing anyone to have their books "personalized"--all Nick signed was his name. There were several Barnes & Noble women who would grab your book and shove it in front of Nick before you could even get up to the table--quite an assembly line. But despite all of that, Nick slowed the process down enough to have it his way. He held out his hand to me to shake mine, and looked me straight in the eye as I told him how much I felt he had done for LSU and for Baton Rouge and how much I admired him and would miss him. He just looked me straight in the eye for a long time, several seconds. He didn't say anything but I really think he was almost teary-eyed, not so much at what I said but at the number of people there and the response. I realize that the people there were Saban fans, so it's not necessarily a barometer of the fan base. But I just want to say that I think Saban is still very conflicted about what he's chosen and that he sincerely wants LSU to have success. I guess the same thing could have been true at Michigan State when he left but somehow I don't think so. I saw a man who was touched to the heart by the LSU community and the city of Baton Rouge, and in a way I think he didn't want to be there because it was such a demonstration of what he was giving up. Just my 2 cents...and I am sure there are those who will say that he's just a jerk or that I'm too sentimental or that "it's time to move on." But it means something to me to know that to him he gave up the best college coaching job in the country (and also to know that he's afraid he might have given up the best coaching job ANYWHERE). I hope he's successful at the Dolphins but if he's not I wouldn't be at all surprised if he wanted to return to LSU someday in some capacity. Of course, they say you can't go home again, but I would personally try to make that untrue in his case. He is a class act and even if he made some errors in timing he bleeds purple and gold. ldskule:
Thanks for the post. I hope your perceptions/ responses are right on the mark. Who knows? If deep down, Saban loves it here so much, and it was such a "gut-wrentching decision", the perhaps down the road, when his NFL coaching days are done, he'll consider returning to LSU as an AD (Skip will want to retire someday)? Now THAT would be impressive!
I really, truly beleive that Saban had conflicted feelings about leaving LSU. I don't know the guy and I've only met him once, but I believed him. I wish him the best and I look forward to watching the Dolphins succeed under him. I doubt he will be back at LSU, because I think we are in for continued success under Miles. When Miles wins, how could you replace him? Would not be fair or right.
Less than I would have expected, but a decent turnout. I would love to see video of all the conversations between the fans and Saban during the signing. NJtiger, were there picture allowed?
No evidence but I would say from some of the things I have heard and also some pictures etc. That Saban did make one of the toughest decisions he has ever made in his profesional life. I believe part of the reason he left was just because it was a life long dream in what he see's as a perfect situation. If Saban had not decided in his mind many years ago to be the head coach of a NFL team he would stillbe in Baton Rouge. I think if he was caoching anywhere else he would have been gone last year.
Awesome post NJtiger. I think that you said a lot of things that a lot of people feel. I am one of those people. Great Job. :lsug: :champs: :geaux:
Thanks for the post which I think is quite revealing. The fact that he looked straight into your eyes tells me he might have wanted to say something from his heart, but held back for fear he might choke in his voice. This post as well as an earlier post about a little girl saying that she'll miss him are very touching as that to me shows the unadulterated feelings of a good and true TIGER fan.I do believe he meant it when he said he had the best time of his entire career during the five years at LSU. It's tough to leave a successful program that he had put a lot of heart and soul into for the lifelong dream and challenge as coach of an NFL team. I do believe he had hell of a conflict there. I wish him luck. ________ IPAD ACCESSORIES
That's why in 5-10 years, he can return and be our Athletic Director. By then, Miles will have another National Championship and a few SEC championships under his belt. :thumb:
