UPDATE: Alabama has confirmed that they reached an agreement with Saban, so his legend will continue to grow in Tuscaloosa.
Nick Saban and The University of Alabama have concluded a long-term agreement to keep him as head coach of the Tide. More details to follow.
— Alabama Athletics (@UA_Athletics) December 14, 2013
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Amid all of the reports that Nick Saban would potentially leave the University of Alabama to take over the Texas Longhorns head coaching job, there has been plenty of speculation. With the recent news that the Texas AD has left the door open for a potential Mack Brown return, the time was right for Alabama to jump in and finish off the contract extension that they had been seeking with Saban.
Apparently, it has worked and Saban has agreed to a multi-year contract extension to remain with the Crimson Tide.
From ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit:
Breaking News....Nick Saban has agreed to a multi year contract extension to STAY at Alabama! Details to come out soon!!
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 14, 2013
Of course, this is just another report to add to the saga, so approach with caution. Remember, Herbstreit has been wrong with his reports before: see Les Miles to Michigan.
However, Cecil Hurt is also reporting the news, with a report that holds a lot more weight.
Nick Saban has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Alabama. Details upcoming on Tidesports.
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) December 14, 2013
It appeared all along that Saban and his agent were using the Texas rumors to create leverage that would earn him a pay raise and this would certainly seems to back up that claim.
Saban and his wife have consistently said that he would not be leaving Alabama, while star quarterback A.J. McCarron said yesterday that Saban told him he was not going to leave. Many doubted Saban’s word, but it looks like he was telling the truth all along.