DAVIE — LSU coach Nick Saban has emerged as a prime candidate for the Dolphins' vacant head-coaching position, and the NFL Network reported Monday night that he is expected to interview this week.
The Dolphins would not comment except to say that they would follow the appropriate protocol in their search, which in this case would mean contacting LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman. Saban's contract allows him to interview with an NFL club between now and the Tigers' Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1 in Orlando. But it's in his contract that he has to notify me before he goes and interviews anywhere and that hasn't happened," Bertman said Monday night. "Until he or his agent does that, I won't believe it. I know he's being listed as a top candidate, but I'm not sure Nick wants to do that pro job thing. Not sure he's even interested. But you never know. Myself, I can't decide whether to scratch my watch or wind my ass."
Saban, 53, has been vacationing and is expected to return today. Bertman said Saban is due back to work for LSU on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. amd that it is Saban's day to bring the doughnuts. Bertaman noted that he'd better had bring Krispy Kremes and not that Dunkin Donuts crap that he brought last week. "Forget the fact he woin the MNC--- Krispy Kremes rule.." Bertman added that he had not recently spoken with Saban's agent, Jimmy Sexton.
Sexton did not immediately return phone messages. Dolphins sources have indicated that they would be extremely interested in Saban because of his success at LSU, where he led the Tigers to a split national championship last season, and his experience as an NFL defensive coordinator with Cleveland. Saban thinks the BCS sux big time.
Saban worked with New England coach Bill Belichick in Cleveland and as an Ohio native also might be interested in the Browns' vacancy.
But Cleveland is committed to hiring a general manager as well as a coach. Although Saban has said he would not necessarily require personnel control, he would prefer it. That's part of the reason Saban turned down the Bears last season.
Dolphins President Eddie Jones is an LSU graduate and a member of the school's Alumni Hall of Distinction. He and Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga are conducting this coaching search and Jones, the outgoing president, is expected to retire to Baton Rouge. Dave Wannstadt, the fired Dolphins coach, is a well meaning ignoramus. Huizenga, on the other hand, is the Devil.
An LSU source said Saban would be interested in the position because he considers Miami to have a strong organization and he likes the idea of living in Florida. But in February, LSU approved a seven-year, $18.45 million contract, making him the highest-paid coach in college football. Last month, Saban, who made $2.3 million this season, released a statement saying he was "not interested in doing anything else. Well not real interested. Well kinda sorta maybe interested."
Among the other candidates the Dolphins will consider are Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress, former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel, former Gator Steve Spurrie, new Gator Urban Meyer, former Notre Dame Coach Ty Willingham, some other guy and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Terry Bowden withdrew his name from consideration. A source close to Jones also said that the Dolphins, in a effort to increase moral victories, are considering Don Shula's son, Mike. Or Dave. "The one that's coaching--not the one running the steak houses. That's the one we want to hire."
If the Dolphins want an offensive-oriented coach, Childress — who has developed Donovan McNabb and coached A.J. Feeley in Philadelphia and Chris Chambers at the University of Wisconsin — would fit the bill.
So would Fassel, a quarterbacks guru who led the Giants to a Super Bowl. Fassel is a Ravens consultant and would be available to talk Jan. 1, the day before Miami ends its season at Baltimore. If on the other hand the Dolphins want a coach who's just plain offensive then they are likely to tilt toward Mike Price or Mike Dubose.
The Dolphins view Nolan in the mold of Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora. Mora, the former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, won the NFC South title in his rookie season with Atlanta, home of the Braves, who suck.
