Nick Saban admits he 'probably made a mistake' leaving LSU for Miami Dolphins

Nick Saban returned to Baton Rouge last weekend as part of his new job as a member of ESPN’s College GameDay crew ahead of Alabama vs. LSU, and the former coach was given a warm welcome by the locals.

Saban went into detail about it on The Pat McAfee Show Friday afternoon, reminiscing about his time as the head coach at LSU. Given his illustrious coaching career, Saban doesn’t have many regrets. But evidently one of them is leaving the Tigers to become head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2005, as he admitted to as much while speaking with McAfee.

“It’s (LSU is) a wild place. Those people celebrate life, they’re great people, they have fun and you know, they like to have their party time before the game, there’s no question about that,” Saban stated. “The people treated me great there, and I appreciate that.

“You know, Terry and I loved it there. Probably made a mistake going back to pro ball from there. But only way we could go back to college was to go back to Alabama, but that’s a great rivalry. The LSU-Alabama is a great rivalry.”

Of course, Saban’s time in the NFL didn’t fare too well for him, and ultimately resulted in him leaving for Alabama in early 2007. That led to 17 seasons leading the Crimson Tide, where he reasserted blueblood Alabama as a national superpower. So, suffice it to say, Tide fans certainly have no regrets.

Alabama went 201-29 during his Tide tenure, winning six of Saban’s national-record seven national championships. Alabama fans can also take solace in the 42-13 victory in Baton Rouge in the first season under new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Moving forward, Saban is getting more and more comfortable with his College GameDay crew, while the Tigers and Crimson Tide are on their own respective journeys. LSU is adjusting to life under Brian Kelly, while Alabama is working out the kinks under DeBoer during his first season with the program.

Both fanbases may yearn for the years of Saban leading the charge, but they’re in promising positions, while the legendary coach enjoys his retirement after a memorable four-decade career. Alabama fans may get to claim the head coach more than LSU faithful, but it’s evident there’s love between Nick Saban and both schools.