Latest news with #Saban
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking the 10 best LSU football players from Nick Saban's LSU tenure
Nick Saban's tenure as LSU football's head coach revived the program. The 90s were a rough decade in Baton Rouge. The 80s were up and down, too. When Saban arrived, he saw LSU as a sleeping giant. An SEC program surrounded by talent. It didn't take Saban long to get it rolling. Saban went 8-4 in year one. A big turnaround after LSU won just three games the prior season. In 2001, Saban led LSU to double-digit wins. And in 2003, LSU went 13-1 and won its first national championship of the BCS/College Football Playoff era. It was the Tigers' first national title since 1958. Saban's LSU legacy is complicated. He stuck around for one more year after the title before taking a job with the Miami Dolphins. After the NFL didn't work out, Saban returned to the college ranks, accepting Alabama's head coaching position. Saban built Alabama into a dynasty, much at the expense of LSU. For most of Saban's tenure in Tuscaloosa, the Tide got the best of the Tigers. LSU won two more national titles in that span, but Saban and Alabama won six. After the 2023 college football season, Saban retired. With Saban gone, LSU fans could once again look back on Saban's LSU tenure with fond memories. Today, we'll rank the top 10 players of the Saban era at LSU. 10. Trev Faulk, linebacker Faulk's first season at LSU was 1999, one year before Nick Saban took over. In 2000, Faulk emerged as a key difference maker in year one under Saban. Faulk was First-Team All-SEC with 133 tackles and nine tackles for loss. Faulk's four fumble recoveries in 2000 rank fourth in LSU history. In 2001, Faulk earned All-SEC honors again. Faulk finished his LSU career with 194 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss. 9. Stephen Peterman, offensive line Peterman began his LSU career on the defensive side of the ball, but made the switch to offense in 2002. That paid off for the Tigers as Peterman became one of the best offensive linemen in the SEC. He was First-Team All-SEC in 2002. In 2003, Peterman was one of the best guards in the country. The athletic tools that allowed him to play defense and tight end in high school let him thrive on the interior offensive line. Peterman was named First-Team All-American by Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and Sporting News. 8. Andrew Whitworth, offensive line Whitworth arrived at LSU in 2001 and took a redshirt. But it didn't take long for Whitworth to carve out a role as a redshirt freshman. He earned a starting tackle job in 2002 and was named First-Team Freshman All-American. In 2003, he was a key cog on LSU's national title-winning offensive line. The recognition continued to roll in 2004, when Whitworth earned First-Team All-SEC honors. Whitworth played one year under Les Miles in 2005, earning Second-Team All-American recognition from the Walter Camp Foundation. 7. Ben Wilkerson, offensive line Wilkerson arrived at LSU in 2001 and won the center job as a true freshman. The Sporting News named Wilkerson a Second-Team Freshman All-American. In 2003, Wilkerson took it up a notch and became one of the best offensive linemen in the country. The AP placed Wilkerson on their Second-Team All-American squad as Wilkerson led LSU's offensive line to a national title. He was First-Team All-SEC, too. In 2004, Wilkerson capped off his LSU career by winning the Rimington Award, annually given to the top center in the country. 6. Chad Lavalais, defensive line Lavalais has a strong case to be higher on this list, especially after you glance at his resume. In 2003, Lavalais was named the National Defensive Player of the Year by Sporting News and was a finalist for the Nagurski Award and the Outland Trophy. Simply put, he was one of the best defenders in the country. He racked up 61 tackles, with 16 being tackles for a loss. Lavalais got after the passer too, with seven sacks on LSU's national title campaign. Before Lavalais' massive breakout in 2003, he was still a First-Team All-SEC defensive tackle in 2002. In 2000, he was a Third-Team Freshman All-American, per Sporting News. 5. Michael Clayton, wide receiver With 182 catches in his career, Clayton ranks No. 3 in LSU history. He burst on the scene as a freshman in 2001, averaging 16.0 yards per catch and racking up 754 yards, despite sharing targets with Josh Reed. Clayton was the leading receiver on LSU's BCS Championship team in 2003, surpassing 1,000 yards and hauling in 78 passes. He scored double-digit touchdowns, too. To this day, Clayton remains one of the most talented wide receivers to wear an LSU uniform. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked Clayton with the No. 15 overall pick in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. 4. Bradie James, linebacker Bradie James' 2002 season remains one of the best we've ever seen from an LSU defender. James set a program single-season record with 154 tackles. That record stands today. With James leading the unit, LSU's defense was one of the nation's best. James was a four-year contributor at LSU, playing three under Saban. His 418 career tackles sit second in program history, only behind Al Richardson. James earned All-SEC honors in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Only a select few LSU athletes have earned all-conference honors in three separate seasons. James' final year with LSU was 2002, but he helped set the tone for a defense that would go on to win a national title the next year. 3. Corey Webster, cornerback LSU made a habit of producing elite defensive backs in the 2000s and 2010s. Wesbter was one of the first and most decorated in the pipeline. Webster earned First-Team All-American twice in 2003 and 2004. He was a three-time All-SEC defensive back. With 16 career picks, Webster ranks No. 2 in LSU history. As a member of LSU's national title team in 2003, Webster picked off seven passes and broke up 25 passes. He played a pivotal role in LSU's title win, picking off a pass which led to LSU's first touchdown of the game. 2. Marcus Spears, defensive line Spears was a difference maker. Few defenders had his combination of size and speed. Those tools led to Spears being a first-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft after he earned consensus All-American honors in 2004. Spears was First-Team All-SEC twice and racked up 19 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss in his LSU career. Spears was a member of the 2003 national championship squad. His career highlight came in LSU's title-game victory over Oklahoma, where Spears picked off a pass and returned it 20 yards for a score. That play is remembered as one of the most important in LSU history. 1. Josh Reed, wide receiver Until Malik Nabers broke records in 2023, Josh Reed was the most productive wide receiver in LSU history. A lot of great pass catchers came through LSU under Les Miles and Ed Orgeron, but it took 20 years to unseat Reed at the top of LSU's receiving record books. Reed won the Biletnikoff in 2001, annually given to the best wide receiver in college football. He was a consensus All-American that season, racking up 1,740 receiving yards, which was an SEC record at the time. In 2000, Reed caught 65 passes for 1,127 yards and 10 touchdowns. His two-year run from 2000-01 is one of the best stretches in LSU history -- regardless of position. Reed finished his LSU career with 3.064 total yards and 18 total scores.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Nick Saban's Coaching Future Receives Major NFL Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nick Saban is one of the best head coaches in football history. His success at the college level, especially with the Alabama Crimson Tide, was nothing short of amazing. After taking a full season off from coaching, rumors have started circulating about Saban's future. Could he consider making a comeback to coaching? He enjoyed working in the media during his off year, but he's still capable of being an elite level head coach. With that in mind, questions have started coming up about where Saban could coach if he did decide to open up to a return to the sideline. Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Most college programs would likely love to have a chance to hire Saban. There are only a few teams across the country who would have no interest in the coaching legend. Read more: Longhorns' Arch Manning Sends Strong Message Ahead of Season However, there is also the possibility that Saban could look to take his talents back to the NFL. Paul Finebaum, one of the most notable reports in college football, has now weighed in on Saban's future. He doesn't see a return to the college game for Saban. "I think it's impossible to believe he will come back to college football," Finebaum said. "Nick Saban walked away two years ago for a specific reason. He had had enough of it. I think if Saban ever returned to working in sports, it would be to the NFL. That could happen; I don't think it will. I think mostly this was a non-starter [on Monday]. " Saban has coached two seasons in the NFL throughout his career. Both of those years came with the Miami Dolphins. He compiled a 15-17 record during the 2005 and 2006 seasons with the Dolphins. Read more: Cam Newton Delivers Strong Words About Detroit Lions His college career boasts a much more impressive resume. Saban ended his college coaching tenure with a 292-71-1 overall record. He won seven total college football national championships as well. Fans would love to see Saban coaching again. A return to college doesn't seem likely with his distaste for the NIL and transfer portal changes, but the NFL could be an option. More than likely, the scenario of Saban returning isn't going to become a reality. Finebaum is likely correct with his opinion on the matter. For more NFL and college football news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Alabama's Kalen DeBoer faces Nick Saban pressure in Year 2
So let's begin with that cold slap in the face, and the undeniable question that follows: has Alabama lost its mojo? "We fell short at making the playoffs," said Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer. "It's as simple as that." But is it? Is it as cut and dry as Alabama, if it had one more regular season win in DeBoer's first season in Tuscaloosa, would've made the College Football Playoff and all would've been well in the land of The Standard is The Standard? Alabama had a loaded team in 2024, a roster full of four- and five-star recruits and a fourth-year quarterback (Jalen Milroe) who was one of the nation's most exciting players in 2023. A team that won the SEC championship, and advanced (again) to the CFP before losing in overtime on the last play of the game to the team that won it all. So it should come as no surprise that the first question DeBoer heard on the big stage at SEC Media Days, his followup performance to the unthinkable task of replacing Saban, was living up to the standard set by the greatest coach in college football history. With the backdrop of that rumor that the Nicktator was returning to college football. "We've got to be better in the big moments," DeBoer said. "Whether it was the belief or whether it was the confidence." UNWANTED TALK: Nick Saban rumor is last thing Alabama needs SATURDAY SHRINES: SEC college football stadiums rankings This was never going to be easy for DeBoer, or anyone who decided to jump into the meatgrinder that is Alabama football and replacing Saban. There's a always transition, a buy-in from players recruited by one staff and playing for another. But not like this. Not losing to Vanderbilt, the SEC's annual tomato can. Not losing by 21 to the worst Oklahoma team in nearly four decades -- with a spot in the CFP on the line. Not falling to five-loss, one-dimensional Michigan in a bowl game that could've salvaged the season. Ten wins would've looked a whole lot better than nine. Then came the final, inglorious kick to the groin: Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt's dynamic quarterback, went on a national podcast last month and called out Alabama. "I have no doubt we have the guys to do it," Pavia said of beating Alabama again. To be fair, Pavia was responding to Tide star receiver Ryan Williams, who told Jon Gruden, "We don't call them revenge games. We're going to kill an ant with a sledgehammer." I ask you, who exactly is whistling through the graveyard here? EARLY FOCUS: LSU will have no excuses in opener at Clemson Pavia and his group of overlooked overachievers, or Williams and an Alabama team that had the talent to win it all last year and didn't? An Alabama team that maybe, just maybe, took its foot off the pedal when Saban finally retired. When the coach who demanded perfection and abhorred mediocrity - the foundation of The Standard, the secret sauce of Alabama's mojo - decided he'd had enough and strolled to a comfortable seat in, of all places, the media. Saban talked endlessly about the human condition, and how many opted for doing the easy thing instead of the hard thing. The commitment it took to not only win a national title, but do it again. And again. When the guy pushing and prodding and emotionally and mentally motivating finally walked away, it's only natural to think there would be a letdown. Like a Saban team losing by three touchdowns with the CFP on the line. Like a Saban team getting physically dominated by a five-loss Michigan team with the salve of a 10th win there for the taking. The Alabama season last year, as much as anything, revolves around a 30-minute joy ride against Georgia last September, and 30 more white-knuckle minutes of holding on to beat the Bulldogs in a game that showed what could be. The good, and the bad. What Alabama can be under DeBoer when everything is clicking, and what the Tide will be when the taskmaster is away -- and The Standard isn't met. "The first year is kind of frantic with a new coach, and everybody's unsure," said Alabama tackle Kayden Proctor. "I would say (DeBoer) is more comfortable." How could he not be? He has the most talented team in the SEC, and has his right hand man (offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb) back in the fold to settle an inexperienced and uneasy quarterback room. He has huge contract with a $60 million buyout, and more important, he has a track record of winning big. Why wouldn't it happen at Alabama, even with the shadow of Saban hanging over his every move? "All disrespect will be addressed," Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson said. That's not a DeBoer thing. That's a mojo thing. Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Nick Saban's daughter clears the air amid swirling rumors about potential coaching return
The rumors continue to swirl about Nick Saban potentially returning to the sidelines. But his daughter is shutting them down. On Thursday, Kristen Saban posted a video to her Instagram Story of her father's walkout during his time coaching at Alabama with the caption: 'Damn, I miss this.' Some Crimson Tide fans took that as a sign of a possible return to coaching football. However, Kristen shut down the speculation with a quick response post. 'Apparently, some of y'all feel trolled by my last story of Nick's walkout… he's not coming back to coaching, hate to break it to you,' Kristen said in a follow-up story. 'You had your time.' 3 Kristen Saban shot down the coaching rumors involving her dad. Kristen Saban/Instagram The rumors began circulating in earnest on Monday after former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy said on 'McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning' that he was informed by a trustworthy source that Saban — who now works as a panelist on ESPN's 'College GameDay' — would return to coaching in the future. ESPN's Paul Finebaum, who was also on the podcast, thought the rumors were bogus. 'Greg, you know Nick Saban better than I do, but I ran into somebody the other day who spends time with Saban in Florida — you can imagine where — and said that he is literally having the time of his life,' Finebaum said. 3 Alabama head coach Nick Saban looks toward the Texas A&M side in warmups before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. AP The Saban speculation was brought up at this week's SEC media days, and Kirby Smart, the head coach at Georgia and former Alabama defensive coordinator, said he believes that Saban's coaching days are past him. 'I don't think Nick's coming back,' Smart told reporters at SEC's Media Day. 'I think he's too happy where he is. I think y'all were lacking buzz and they needed some buzz yesterday… I talk to Nick pretty regularly, and I don't see it. It's one of those things that if he wanted to, he'd be unbelievable at it.' 3 Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart shake hands after the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. USA TODAY Sports But one of Saban's former offensive coordinators, Lane Kiffin, said he wouldn't be surprised if the iconic coach decided to come back to the sideline — either in the pros or college. 'I kind of always thought that was going to happen. I kind of thought it would happen after one year,' Kiffin said. 'And I say that just because even seeing recent stuff with him and talking. To him on the phone — I have no knowledge that he's coming back. I don't think anybody does… I just think he'll be back, whether it's NFL or college.'
USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Nick Saban daughter shuts down rumor of Alabama football great's return to coaching
Will Nick Saban return to coaching, or stay retired? According to his daughter, Kristen Saban, the Alabama football legend is staying retired. Ms. Saban wrote in a social media post/story to Instagram on Thursday: "He's not coming back to coaching, hate to break it to you. You had your time." Rumors about a return to coaching began when former Crimson Tide quarterback and current ESPN/ABC analyst Greg McElroy said Monday that "a very much in-the-know person" seemed to believe the seven-time national champion wasn't finished coaching. McElroy's comment and subsequent reaction spread across social media, various national sports media outlets, and was a topic at SEC media days in Atlanta. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, Georgia's Kirby Smart, Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin and LSU's Brian Kelly all commented on the rumor of Saban possibly returning. DeBoer said Wednesday: "He's one of the greatest to ever do it, so he's earned the right to do what he wants. I think the best part of what coach Saban is doing right now is, he's still involved in the game. He brings passion to it." Saban is set to enter his second year as an analyst for ESPN's College GameDay. While Saban himself hasn't addressed the rumor, someone who seems far more likely "in the know" than McElroy's source has now done so.
