Nick Saban’s retirement leaves the University of Alabama with its first opening at head football coach since it fired Mike Shula in 2006. 17 years have passed since the Crimson Tide administration was last in this position.
They plan to move quickly. Players were told to wait 72 hours before deciding on whether to stay or enter the transfer portal. A hire is coming sooner than later.
Although there was a lot of smoke surrounding Oregon coach Dan Lanning as soon as it was announced that Saban would not return. He ultimately announced that he is not leaving Eugene with an incredible recruiting pitch.
Who else is on the short list? Rumors have swirled about Kalen DeBoer, Lane Kiffin, Mike Norvell and Steve Sarkisian, among others. It is entirely unclear.
There is one thing that is for certain. However, it doesn’t really provide any clarity.
Jimmy Sexton is in the Yellowhammer State. He was spotted at the Mal Moore Complex, which houses the college football program, on Thursday afternoon.
Sexton, one of the most notable agents in sports, represents Nick Saban. He also represents quite a few of the coaches who are rumored to be in the mix.
His list of clients include:
- Mike Norvell, Florida State
- Dino Babers, Syracuse (fired)
- Lance Taylor, Western Michigan
- Mike MacIntyre, Florida International
- Charles Huff, Marshall
- Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss
- Kirby Smart, Georgia
- Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M (fired)
- Billy Napier, Florida
- Sam Pittman, Arkansas
- Chip Kelly, UCLA
- Steve Sarkisian, Texas
- Gus Malzahn, UCF
- Shane Beamer, South Carolina
- Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri
- Clark Lea, Vanderbilt
- Mike Locksley, Maryland
- Hugh Freeze, Auburn
- James Franklin, Penn State
- Mark Stoops, Kentucky
- Kalen DeBoer, Washington
- Blake Anderson, Utah State
- Tyson Helton, Western Kentucky
- Clay Helton, Georgia Southern
- (Also Dan Lanning but…)
Sexton could be in Tuscaloosa to dot some “is” and cross some “ts” in regard to Saban’s contract. He could be in town to help secure the head coaching job at Alabama for Norvell, Kiffin, Sarkisian, Franklin or DeBoer. He could be there to pitch another one of his clients.
Only time will tell!