Joel Klatt details how agent Jimmy Sexton will dictate Alabama coaching search

The main goal of the Alabama coaching search is to find a replacement for Nick Saban, at least in the eyes of athletic director Greg Byrne. If you ask Jimmy Sexton, arguably the most powerful agent in college athletics, there is more to this search than what happens in Tuscaloosa. Saban retiring could wind up helping out a ton of his clients.

As certain coaches are linked to Alabama, administrators from other schools will want to make sure their guy does not bolt. This allows Sexton to work on an improved contract and give his clients a bigger payday. Being associated with the Crimson Tide will only up the intensity as well.

It’s Sexton’s world at the moment and we’re all just living in it.

“Jimmy Sexton is going to control this search, every bit of it because he controls every chess piece on the board,” FOX’s Joel Klatt said. “He represents Steve Sarkisian, he represents Dan Lanning, he represents Kalen DeBoer, he represents Mike Norvell at Florida State, Dabo Swinney at Clemson, James Franklin at Penn State.

“So he will try to slow play this as long as Alabama will allow him so that he can get every one of his clients the raise that they feel like they deserve. So he’s going to try to play it slow. Alabama is going to try to go quickly.”

All of the names Klatt mentioned have been mentioned as a Saban replacement in one way or another. Lanning was thought to be the most popular candidate and was rumored to be in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday night. Instead, he was at home, watching a movie with his kids, and announced he would be staying with Oregon.

One person not brought up was Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, whom Sexton also represents. Just about every name linked with becoming the next guy at Alabama is represented by Sexton, proving his importance to the search.

“Well, I’ll tell you I called somebody within the SEC yesterday and said ‘Who will Greg Byrne‘s first call be to?’” Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger said on Thursday via the Paul Finebaum Show. “And the person said, ‘Jimmy Sexton.’ Not a coach but an agent who certainly represents all those names.”

Sexton was spotted at Mal Moore on Thursday, potentially meeting with Byrne. Ironically, Saban spent his first day of retirement at the complex too.

Reports have stated Alabama would like to have the coaching search wrapped up within 72 hours, which lines up to be around 5 p.m. CT on Saturday evening. How quickly Sexton wants to move could prove to be the difference in Byrne accomplishing his goal or not.