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Lane Kiffin throws shade at Nick Saban

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin looks on during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin looks on during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Florida Atlantic football head coach Lane Kiffin threw some shade at his former employee. 

Lane Kiffin keeps on getting chances to be a head coach. Though he has been successful, he has been controversial because of how he burns bridges. Kiffin kept this tradition going by throwing some shade at Alabama and his former boss Nick Saban.

Throwing shade at arguably the best head coach in college football is a pretty bold move. Don’t be surprised if Saban tells Kiffin to not bother showing up when they face Washington on Dec. 31. Pissing off a guy like Saban is rarely a smart move. It could wind up hurting Kiffin, especially if he winds up coaching against Alabama.

Though he has yet to have consistent sustained success at any one school, he should be a quality coach for Florida Atlantic. At worst, Kiffin will ensure they will be relevant. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen. Kiffin’s longest stint at any school is just over three seasons as the head coach at USC. At Alabama as Saban’s offensive coordinator, he rebuilt his reputation as an offensive mastermind.

Florida Atlantic is taking a bold risk by hiring Kiffin, but it’s a very necessary one. He’s the kind of coach who can make them relevant in a state that has historically dominated college football. Miami, Florida State, and Florida have each dominated at some point over the past 20 years. They are three of the most storied programs in all of football.

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Even South Florida is starting to gain traction in recent years. With Kiffin, FAU now has a chance to stand out in a state known for its football. One of the former USC head coach’s greatest strengths is his name recognition. People know who he is. That’s quite important when you’re competing against powerhouses in a state full of potential recruits.

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