Nick Saban confirms he has never considered leaving since arriving at Alabama

After 17 long years at Alabama, surely Nick Saban has had a moment or two where he’s considered leaving, right? According to the longtime Crimson Tide head coach, the thought really hasn’t crossed his mind.

Ahead of the Rose Bowl CFP semifinal game vs. Michigan, Coach Saban was once again asked if he’s considered leaving before and whether the rumblings and rumors about past opportunities bother him. Ever the humble guy, Nick Saban said he’s just honored that people think he’s worthy of a pro job.

“You know, it’s kind of — first of all, I’m honored that anybody would consider me for anything, so from that standpoint, I guess the fact that there’s interest would be appreciated.”

However, he’s never once had a foot out the door, despite what the rumors are.

“But never since I’ve been at Alabama have I ever considered going anyplace else. I think no disrespect to you all, but you create a lot of that by your own speculation of what might happen, and that’s okay.”

The outside noise has never bothered Saban, though. He only hopes that such rumors never impact his players in any way.

“I’m not upset about that or disappointed in it. But the only frustrating thing about it is… does it impact our program? Does it impact what we’re trying to do? Does it impact the players on your team?”

Nick Saban would rather just keep those questions and doubts out his players’ minds altogether.

“That part of it is always something I’ve tried to manage so players didn’t have to have that as a sort of impediment that would affect their ability to be successful.”

Retirement is not something Saban is thinking about. He was asked about the idea at the beginning of the season and said it was “laughable” on The Pat McAfee Show back in September.

“It’s kind of laughable,” he commented. “I guess I would ask you: When’s the first time you heard I was going to retire? That started about five years ago. I think it creates some advantages for people, whether it’s in recruiting or whatever it might be.”

Saban is definitely not retiring before Monday’s Rose Bowl against Michigan, looking to extend his good streak in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Two more wins and it would be national championship No. 8 for Saban and his seventh while in Tuscaloosa.

Based on the way he talks, there will be plenty of more attempts to hoist the CFP trophy. No matter what happens in the coming days, Saban wants to be around.