Report: Cleveland Browns may lure Saban back to NFL
Alabama’s Nick Saban could become the next head coach of the Cleveland Browns, the Boston Globe is reporting.
It’s far from a done deal, and a number of pieces would have to fall into place, but the Globe said on Monday that if the Browns hire Michael Lombardi as general manager as rumored, the door could be open to bringing in Saban as head coach. Saban and Lombardi, who is currently an analyst for the NFL Network, worked together for the Cleveland Browns in the early ’90s, where Saban was defensive coordinator and Lombardi was player personnel director.
According to the Globe, “Saban has let it be known that if he returns to the NFL — where he flopped, going 15-17 with the Dolphins from 2005-06 — it would likely be with Lombardi playing Scott Pioli to his Bill Belichick.” Pioli and Belichick are the GM-coach tandem who created a New England Patriots dynasty.
The Browns are suffering through another woeful season at 5-8 and have had only two winning seasons since 1999.
Owner Jimmy Haslam might have more than one reason for luring Saban to the NFL: He’s a prominent University of Tennessee booster, and the Vols are 0-6 against Saban’s Alabama teams.
For his part, Saban has already won two national championships at Alabama (and one at LSU) and will be going for another one on Jan. 7 against Notre Dame. With no mountains left to climb in the college game, could Saban be looking for another shot at the NFL?
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420 comments Add your comment
Alabama Cynic
December 11th, 2012
11:56 am
Two titles in three years and a shot at a third… he’s earned the right to go somewhere else if he wants to. Good luck to him. Alabama is a top 3 job in college football and the next (hypothetical) coach would take over a juggernaut. Nice trolling. Gotta write about something.
Hilly
December 11th, 2012
11:57 am
Georgia never chokes in a big game. Carvell swallows.
drsoul
December 11th, 2012
12:00 pm
Here is what DAWGs see of Nick:
Scorching
Another
BullDAWG
Aching
National Championship effort….!!!
Kirby Smart
December 11th, 2012
12:01 pm
Why didn’t I go after the Tennessee or Auburn job? Just cause….
Arthur Redding, Jr.
December 11th, 2012
12:05 pm
Saban is a great coach. But I could understand it if he makes the move to the NFL. He’s had great success in college football but did not do well in his stint in the NFL
(he was also unhappy with his lack of authority in personnel decisions while with the Dolphins–having that authority would be one of his requirements if he were to take the job with the Browns.)
I think Saban would like the challenge of proving he can do it in the NFL. So it wouldn’t surprise me if he leaves Alabama.
notso fast
December 11th, 2012
12:07 pm
It is the only way for UG
It is the dream of all UGA fans as it is the only way for them to beat the Tide.
Alphare
December 11th, 2012
12:14 pm
Coach Richt’s departure would make half of UGA fans happy and half sad.
But Saban’s departure would make all UGA fans happy.
Who say BAMA is not important to UGA fans?
crimson 1
December 11th, 2012
12:15 pm
I think Nick Saban loves the challenge of turning young boys into young men. The stress of winning a championship is tough but the challenge of making a difference in young men lives makes it worthwhile. He is a teacher, coach, and motivator. That is what he loves. Its hard motivating men who are making alot of money in the NFL.
Gator Phil
December 11th, 2012
12:16 pm
Cleveland lured Paul Brown in 1946 by naming the team after him. How about the Cleveland Sabans? That might be enough to satisfy Nick’s ego.
5 Star
December 11th, 2012
12:17 pm
A Bamer just crapped himself.
rhettt
December 11th, 2012
12:17 pm
Simply put, it is not going to happen. Saban will probably get his contract reworked, heck it should have already been reworked. His love and skill set meshes with collegiate football, not professional football.
Pete
December 11th, 2012
12:19 pm
He is gone-Bank it!!! Bummer fans will shrink back to the nobodys you have always been-Haaaa
Merry Freaking Christmas Bummer fans and a stinking New Year!!!
Nick's Ring Finger
December 11th, 2012
12:22 pm
I need a Super Bowl ring. Nick knows this is the last mountain.
GimmeAbreak
December 11th, 2012
12:27 pm
Good riddens? OMG! Must be a Roll Tide fan…
spqr
December 11th, 2012
12:34 pm
Nick Saban never stays anywhere very long. He left LSU as the “king of college football” for the Dolphins and people said it would never happen. It did. And Saban will leave Alabama, too. And why not the Browns? I think the story is legitimate.
Barbara Dooley
December 11th, 2012
12:36 pm
This is the job my boy Derek deserves. That Will Muschamp had better players when he got to Florida. Not even Nick Saban could have won with Lane Kiffin’s mess. This just isn’t right
GimmeAbreak
December 11th, 2012
12:38 pm
This is like Obama blaming George Bush for anything an everything! Only here, the Obama fans are really Alabama fans and UGA is George W. Bush! It is amusing how with 3 and soon-to-be 4 NC’s the Alabama loyal are still jealous of the Dawgs….
DawginLex
December 11th, 2012
12:41 pm
I don’t believe he is leaving
crimson 1
December 11th, 2012
12:41 pm
Sorry Georgia fans but any good coach can win at Bama. A geat coach can become a legend. If Saban leaves don’t expect a big let down. Bama gone to be Bama, that a given.
Mike S.
December 11th, 2012
12:44 pm
lol well, I’m not surprised if this pans out. Saban has never been known to stay anywhere long. Neither has Urban Meyer for that matter. If you want to win big and quick, sign these guys on. If you want a good coach that will stay long term, these guys arent them.
DawginLex
December 11th, 2012
12:45 pm
crimson 1
Ray Perkins
Mike Shula
Mike Price
Mike Dubose
Care to differ with your opinion
Mike S.
December 11th, 2012
12:45 pm
Yeah, Bama never has any down years…never like after the Bear or the 20 years in between titles after Stallings left. lol
285exp
December 11th, 2012
12:46 pm
I do so enjoy watching you ever classy Georgia fans getting all excited about the possibility of Saban leaving. You’d think that they would rather actually beat him, but it appears they’ve come to the realization that Richt cannot, so they have to pray that Saban goes away instead. Contrary to what you believe, most Bama fans won’t melt down if he does go to the pros, we’ll be appreciative of his accomplishments in reviving our program and bringing several national championships to Alabama. He will leave the program in great shape, and Kirby Smart will likely take over. Then you’ll have another boogy man to hate. In terms of transitioning, it might even be best if Saban does leave after this year. Smart steps into a program with a loaded roster, top notch facilities, and with tremendous goodwill with the fanbase for his performance as our DC and his loyalty to the program. This year was supposed to be our rebuilding year, and this was the year that Georgia could win it all. Have fun in Orlando.
DawginLex
December 11th, 2012
12:47 pm
I don’t care if Saban leaves. We went toe to toe with him.
I don’t believe he is leaving anyway
Bubba Gump
December 11th, 2012
12:48 pm
Hey, if you want to see a bunch of Alabama faces turn crimson red let this happen. They will have that same look that they did one Saturday afternoon a few weeks back when Johnny football came to town. I have never seen so many stunned, crying babies in one stadium. Remember, life’s a box of chocolates. You never know what (who) you might get! (at least it won’t be Petrino, well hmmmm come to think of it……..lol)
RedandBlackDAWG
December 11th, 2012
12:48 pm
You have got to admit, any HC at Cleveland would get a challenge and a chance to actually build a team, from the ground up. Unless they offer him a lot of money, and free rein, I can’t see Saban doing it though. If he thinks the college game is bad as far as keeping kids out of trouble, and getting some of them to grow up, I think the pros. are ten times worse in that area.
The Pro. players tend to be a little hard headed and full of themselves, and I don’t think he wants to have to fool with that mess. It would be a challenge though.
DawginLex
December 11th, 2012
12:49 pm
If you think Kirby Smart will do as well as Nick Saban, don’t ever call us delusional again………………….
Call It Like It Is
December 11th, 2012
12:50 pm
Just read where Saban is having wheels and a tow hitch added to his statue, you know in case he has to make a quick exit.
David C
December 11th, 2012
12:50 pm
Wishful thinking by Rival Teams. He has said and his wife too they are going to retire at Bama. Sorry Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn Fans. Get uses to be second in SEC Best Case.
NFL Insider
December 11th, 2012
12:55 pm
It’s a done deal!
JB
December 11th, 2012
12:57 pm
A guy like Saban looks for something in life that money can’t buy, because he’s a workaholic and does have 30-40 mil in the bank, so money is not his main objective……BUT…..Being the highest paid coach in football gets his attention……not that he buys or spends or needs money, but that ego……like no one speaks for Bama football but him…….THAT ego. leading the team on the field…rather than following the team….that ego……Instructing people in the office not to speak to him…..that ego……But at the end of the day, he is one great coach.
Bear Bryant
December 11th, 2012
12:59 pm
I hope he goes to Cleveland. It’s like folks aint talking about the late 70’s as much as they used to. I’m still a God like creature to these simple hicks but I’m not feeling it like I used to.
JB
December 11th, 2012
1:00 pm
Hold on there Bear……..Some Bama goobers will show up at your grave with shovels if Nick leaves…..Hold on.
Guess who be coachin
December 11th, 2012
1:04 pm
Never Happen saban never leave alabama who be replace him as coach Bobby Petrino that who would Just think he sign 4year deal there and after that he be seen puttin on a alabama jersey n sayin Roll Tide!
crimson 1
December 11th, 2012
1:09 pm
@dawginlex, I said good coaches. You mention average coaches. Hell some of the coaches you mention had one good year. Good coaches are will think about going to Bama. Bet on it.
285exp
December 11th, 2012
1:10 pm
DawginLex,
You went toe to toe with him, and lost.
I don’t think Smart is as good as Saban, it’s arguable that nobody is right now. Richt certainly isn’t. That doesn’t mean that Smart won’t do very well at Alabama, and he’ll continue to raid Georgia for fine recruits.
Tdawg
December 11th, 2012
1:11 pm
It may not happen, but you could cut the air with a knife in Alabama right now, because the air is so thick with fear that God might just up and leave Bama. You Bama fans are delirious if you think for one second that Saban won’t leave Alabama providing he gets what he wants. His ego is to huge to allow him to stay if he gets what he wants from the Browns. The great one stunk up the place the last time he was in the NFL and he will feel the need to avenge that little mishap. Problem is, if Saban does jump back to the NFL, it will finally be his undoing. He’ll show that without overwhelming talent, he is at best, a decent coach. He wins because his teams in Alabama has more talent than any other team Alabama plays. He won’t have that luxury in the NFL. He will show that he is actually a loser. Don’t worry Bama fans. If Saban were to take the leap to Cleveland, he will be back after having his brain beaten in for a couple if year’s. Knowing you people as we do, you will immediately fire your present coach and welcome king jerk back with open arms.
Learn from history
December 11th, 2012
1:27 pm
Bama fans: One thing you should keep in mind is that Saban has said that he would never leave a job before….and it wasn’t when he was at Alabama, so I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.
Second, Saban has very strong Midwest ties, being from West Virginia, and coaching at Kent State, WV, Ohio State, Michigan State, Toledo…and oh yea, the Cleveland Browns.
Third, Saban failed in the NFL in his first attempt, certainly he will want redemption, especially since he will probably win his 3rd national title in 4 years and become bored with the “challenge” of college football.
Fourth, you are under the impression that Alabama is some sort of mountain top, sure they may be able to pull in recruits, those recruits are so bored that all they do is play football, coaching in the NFL would allow Saban to work LESS because he doesn’t have to monitor all of the morons that are “accepted” (allowed to open the door) to Alabama.
Bear Bryant
December 11th, 2012
1:27 pm
JB, they already dug me up back during the lean years of the Perkin’s era. They tried to clone me. A woman was held captive in the bottom of Bryant Denny and served as the mother. Sadly the cloned child and mother died during child birth. Gubner Wallace was all set to try again but the Rev Billy Graham caught wind of it and ordered George not to do it again.
DawginLex
December 11th, 2012
1:27 pm
Richt is building us up. 2013 offense will be the best in the SEC and maybe the country. Defense is young but loaded with talent.
Richt won’t back down from anyone.
SEC is going to be sick nasty next year
Bama
Georgia
LSU
florida
All top 10 again
Dainger Dawg
December 11th, 2012
1:29 pm
“Wishful thinking by rival teams…”
The article came from the Boston Globe. Boston is in a state called “Massachusetts”. They don’t have any SEC teams (or “Bama” rivals) in Massachusetts.
That pain your feeling in your head…kinda feels like you ate a bunch of ice cream too fast…those are your last remaining brain cells trying to grasp the concept of “fact” over “fiction”.
APAC
December 11th, 2012
1:32 pm
Saban has always viewed as a failure and quitter in the NFL. He is an ego maniac that wants to prove people wrong.
Big Crimson 75
December 11th, 2012
1:39 pm
If he goes he goes.
He’s been incredible at Bama.
The man has built the 2 best Programs in college Football single handedly, Bama & LSU.
It’s on Mal Moore to find the right replacement.
That person certainly isn’t Kirby Smart.
Bama won’t have any issues replacing Saban.
I believe the term is “pick of the litter”.
Pick of the Litter
December 11th, 2012
1:42 pm
Mike Shula, Mike DuBose top shel pick of the litter material.
Numb Between the Hedges
December 11th, 2012
1:43 pm
If Alabama beats the Irish then Saban is gone. First of all Nick Saban is the kind of person that wants a challenge and now that he is fixing to win his third National title in three years, what else is there for him to accomplish? He wanted to rebuild Alabama and he did it. Now he wants to accomplish something harder and that is to win in the NFL. Saban was not put in position to succeed in Miami. I think he will have a better opportunity to the second go around. I honestly would be sad to see Saban go because then all the Bama fans that we see flood these blogs would disappear one by one. It is not like Saban wouldn’t be winning championships at other bigger schools. Bama just happen to be in the right place at the right time.
Bristol Palin in 2016
December 11th, 2012
1:50 pm
Saban to Texas, write it down!
Dum-Bass
December 11th, 2012
1:51 pm
If Saban opts to leave AL, they should make sure they post the Suicide Prevention Hotline in all the local newspapers. Or here’s an idea, (he said facitiously) maybe they could then lure Rush Propst back from Colquitt Co in GA to be their head coach. He was great at Hoover(well, at football coaching) and is doing good in Ga. Sorry, AL, Petrino has been claimed already by WKU (how stupid can you be?)
DawginLex
December 11th, 2012
1:53 pm
Some folks belong in college
Saban is one of them
Pitino
Spurrier
Calipari
All tried the pros and goofed. Pitino still calls leaving UK “the greatest mistake of my life”. He would have multiple national titles by now and wouldn’t be playing 2nd fiddle to UK and Calipari in the Commowealth
Wish I could spell
December 11th, 2012
1:54 pm
“(he said facitiously)”
No, I am not a moron!
Bammer
December 11th, 2012
2:01 pm
Amazing how UGA Mutttards think they know anything about Saban or the Alabama program…especially when they lap up what’s spoon fed to them by Carvell, Provano, Bradley and Schultz. You clowns are so easy and your beat writers know it. They play you daily.
So, if Saban leaves then we’ll hear all the Mutttards say “I told ya so!” But he is finishing his 6th year now when ya’ll have been saying he’s leaving since Day 1. Sooner or later he will leave…as will Richt…and every other coach. Nothing lasts forever (except the 1980 NC) But ya’ll will still be in these little UGA circle-jerk blogs saying “SEE!!! Told ya he wouldn’t stay!”