Nick Saban, Alabama Strike Long-Term Deal

Nick Saban has made a decision about his football coaching future.

He is staying at Alabama.

Rumors were flying that Saban was leaving Tuscaloosa to take over from Mack Brown as the head coach of the University of Texas Longhorns. But he has instead agreed to a multi-year contract extension tonight with the Crimson Tide, putting the Texas rumors to rest. Saban may or may not have been using the Texas scenario for leverage in the contract negotiations

As its head coach, Saban has won three college football national championships with Alabama and seemed to be on track again this year for another title until the shocking November 30 loss to Auburn at the Iron Bowl. Saban is also already the highest-paid coach in college football, making about $5.5 million per year.

In addition to his three championships at the University of Alabama, he won the BCS National Championship in 2003 as LSU head coach.

Nick Saban’s new contract with Alabama reportedly will increase his pay to about $7 million a year. It is subject to approval by the board of trustees, which is likely just a formality.

In commenting on the contract extension, Saban, 62, said in a statement that “We are very pleased to have this agreement completed. [Wife] Terry and our family are very happy in Tuscaloosa. It has become home to us. This agreement allows us to continue to build on the tremendous success that we have enjoyed to this point — successes that have transcended the football field. We are excited about the future and the University of Alabama is where I plan to end my coaching career.”

Alabama President Dr. Judy L. Bonner declared that “The entire University of Alabama family is thrilled that Coach Nick Saban will continue to be the head coach of the Crimson Tide.”

Nick Saban was named head coach of Alabama in 2007.