It is Deer Season - Right?

With all of the Alabama Football Coaching issues, I have failed to discuss on this blog that which also matters to me - DEER HUNTING!

Here is a good buck on a club that I hunt in Pickens County, Alabama. Congrats to J!

To Saban or Not to Saban

I don't know about you but I don't know what to think about Nick Saban. However, I don't think that he is going to come Bama. It will be another black eye for the program. Third strike for Mal Moore in dealing with the coaching search alone! This should surely remove him from the university. Finebaum article of note:

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Saban story not over yet at Alabama
Saturday, December 23, 2006

The questions are inescapable. You get them at work. You get them at the grocery store and at the mall while doing Christmas shopping. Unfortunately, the answers are not easy to come by, but today I'll try and give it a shot.

-- Q: Will Alabama hire Nick Saban?

A: Impossible to answer and growing more difficult by the hour because Saban is one of the most mercurial coaches in the business. There is no question Alabama will go after the Miami Dolphins' coach with a Brink's truck. The school has had weeks to prepare a comprehensive and intelligent offer. UA officials have had time to catch their breath and actually plan this move, something that didn't occur in the aftermath of Mike Shula's firing or in the rushed shotgun marriage attempt with Rich Rodriguez.

-- Q: Where would you put the odds of landing Saban?

A: It's like watching the Dow Jones on triple witching hour. One minute it's way up, then it comes crashing down. Saban's statements Thursday in denying the story again were his strongest to date. Still, what else can he say? And did you watch his body language? He seemed tormented while talking about Alabama. Why? Saban isn't happy in Miami and may sense the handwriting on the wall. His team's performance has been all over map. For the second year in a row, the Dolphins got off to a miserable start, going 1-6. They are currently 6-8. Last year, Miami limped out of the gate to a 3-7 record before winning the last six games. And what about the Dolphins' offense? It looks as bad as Alabama's did this year.

-- Q: What's the most likely scenario once Miami's season ends?

A: I would suspect that Saban would start contemplating the Alabama offer on the plane ride back to Miami following the Dec. 31 game against Indianapolis. Usually, NFL coaches meet with players on the following day and at some point the public should be able to see a signal, one way or another. The feeling is that one reason Saban and his agent, Jimmy Sexton, have been so adamant in their denials is fear of upsetting Miami owner Wayne Huizenga, who is quite powerful and carries a big stick.

-- Q: What role will Sexton play in this story?

A: Very big. Sexton and Saban seem to be very close. More than likely, Sexton already knows what the game is and now it's a matter of dealing with Saban, whose head might be a little clearer when the NFL season is finally over. For you folks who track planes on the Internet, keep on eye on Sexton's plane (it's out of the Wilson Air Center, a private hangar, at the Memphis airport) and see where it is heading on New Year's Day.

-- Q: If Saban turns down Alabama, how bad will the school look?

A: It's hard to imagine how the school can really look any worse. The national media has scoffed at the Saban to Bama stories, so it's unlikely much more can really be said, other than the headline "Saban Turns Down the Tide -- Again!" Frankly, I think you have to give Tide athletics director Mal Moore some credit for staying the course during the difficult time since the Rodriguez debacle and going back to his original plan, which was going after Saban. Amazingly, it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

-- Q: Where will Alabama turn if Saban stays in Miami?

A: Can you say placing a "want ad" in the newspaper? Well, it's a safe bet that Moore has a Plan B. I think you could probably throw a name in there from Jim Grobe to Paul Johnson to Houston Nutt (although he recently received an extension from Arkansas) to Frank Beamer, Chris Peterson, Rick Neuheisel or David Cutcliffe and have a shot at being right -- or wrong.

-- Q: What about Joe Kines?

A: Certainly, Kines has done a solid job as defensive coordinator and is the most experienced coach on the staff. Should Alabama score a big victory in the Independence Bowl, there might be a movement toward considering him for the job. But I don't see any realistic chance of it happening. It would be an interim hire, and the school would look ridiculous for firing Shula and then putting in his top assistant on a short-term basis. There was a time to give the job to Kines, in May 2003, after the Mike Price debacle. Having done so, Alabama wouldn't have been subjected to the Shula years and everyone would have been better off.

Contact Paul Finebaum at:
finebaumnet@yahoo.com

His column appears Tuesdays and Saturdays in the Press-Register.

NYT is on the Auburn Case!

The New York times today! This is what we know, congress is now questioning the way the NCAA uses tax exempt colleges to pad their pockets. Very interesting information about the Auburn Investigation. Recent events have degraded the value of an Auburn diploma to those worked for it.

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December 20, 2006

Editorial

Top Grades, Without the Classes

The House Ways and Means Committee sent shock waves through college sports when it asked the National Collegiate Athletic Association to justify its federal tax exemption by explaining how cash-consuming, win-at-all-cost athletics departments serve educational purposes.

The short answer is that they don’t. Indeed, they often undermine the mission of higher education by recruiting athletes who aren’t prepared, then encouraging grade-padding and preferential treatment to keep them eligible for sports.

That process has been on vivid display at Auburn University, which is embroiled in a scandal involving athletes who are said to have padded their grades and remained eligible to play by taking courses that required no attendance and little if any work. This summer, James Gundlach, an Auburn sociology professor, laid out the problem in startling detail, telling reporters that corruption at the university was pervasive.

An internal audit by the university, made public this month, has uncovered a new round of problems. It found that a grade for a scholarship athlete had been changed — from an incomplete to an A — without the professor’s knowledge. This conveniently raised the athlete’s grade point average in the final semester just above the minimum required for graduation. In addition, the athlete received three other A’s from so-called “directed reading” courses that required no classroom attendance. The professor who issued the initial incomplete in 2003 — and only recently learned it had been changed — suggested that someone in the university had guided the athlete through the scheduling process.

Auburn’s administration promised swift and decisive action to address the problem. But it has also taken pains to point out that the suspect courses were open not just to athletes, but to all students.

That’s no reason to feel relieved. The deeper and more alarming lesson is that the unethical behavior often associated with big-time college sports doesn’t always end with athletes. It can easily seep outward, undermining academic standards and corrupting behavior in the university as a whole.

Bama Basketball like Myself = On the Road Again...

Unfortunately, I will be out of town for the next two weeks. I will check and update posts on Sunday as this will be the next time that I will around a PC. Going Hunting!

The BAMA Basketball team has a huge road game tonight at NC State in Raleigh, NC. I am concerned about Ronald Steele's injuries. We need him to be well prior to th SEC play! I am imporessed with Hollinger and especially the "Mad Hops" of Alonzo Gee - but these guys are not a healthy Ronald Steele. We are a very good team without Steele but a great team with a healthy Steele. Regardless, a win in Raleigh will help the seating in the big dance when invitations go out early March. Roll Tide Basketball!

This time of year many look at the Christmas holiday to reflect on Jesus and good things of life. Let's all take time to be thankful for what we have! A wonderful wife, lovely children, great job, great university to support, and a loving and forgiving Lord. I try not to get all caught up in the Christmas "marketing" machine which society has created anyway, but we all enjoy the time with family and time off during the winter season. We all should have this same spirit Everyday of our lives being mindful of Christ and what he has done for mankind.

Happy Holidays and a Blessed New Year!!!

Who is Jimmy Sexton?

I get the Commercial Appeal newspaper (Memphis, TN area's largest news publisher) daily! Any news from Memphis regarding the Alabama program has been BAD!!! It is happening again in one name - Jimmy Sexton. Who is this Cat? Read this article from Finebaum to understand who this man is...
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Sexton's reputation suffering?

Saturday, December 16, 2006

8Sexton

At nearly every turn of this three-ring circus better known as the Alabama coach search, one name has remained a constant -- Jimmy Sexton.

Some people have inferred that the Memphis mega-agent is the key to Alabama hitting a grand slam home run. Others have said Sexton is the reason the school has suffered a national embarrassment.

So which is it? How does one go about separating fact from fiction?

For starters, Sexton sits in a unique position as the sports agent to four SEC head coaches and several others, including recently fired Chuck Amato (North Carolina State) and Larry Coker (Miami). He also has a number of NFL clients -- including Bill Parcells -- to say nothing of countless assistants, including LSU's Jimbo Fisher. All of this is in addition to dozens of professional athletes in his camp.

So let's see if we can get this straight. Sexton has Auburn's Tommy Tuberville, his first client, in his stable while he is talking to Alabama about Nick Saban. He has Houston Nutt, the Arkansas coach (and another rumored Tide candidate), to say nothing of Phillip Fulmer, Alabama's biggest rival outside of Lee County.

So does that mean that Fulmer and Tuberville are on the de facto Alabama search committee? At the very least one has to wonder about a conflict of interest.

Also, Sexton represents Steve Spurrier, who Alabama heavily and hotly pursued during this search.

No wonder some Alabama officials go postal when the subject of Sexton comes up. Oh, did I mention he is a Tennessee graduate and owns a luxury box at Neyland Stadium? Next thing you know, we'll find out this guy is the brother-in-law of Tom Culpepper (the NCAA's secret witness against Alabama in the NCAA case).

Does Sexton share gossip with his stable of coaches? Did he try to keep Spurrier in South Carolina to protect Tuberville's turf in Alabama?

Or does he simply do his job honestly and respectfully, representing his clients to the fullest, looking at every job on a case-by-case basis?

It's a fact that during the heavy breathing period of Spurrier to Bama, Sexton had to get off a call from someone in Alabama because Fulmer was calling on the other line. Do you think Fulmer was calling to ask Sexton about the weather in Memphis?

For the most part, Sexton has a solid reputation in the business. Some of his clients and former clients whisper behind his back, saying he caters mainly to the super novas like Saban while essentially ignoring the small fish in the pond. Still, he makes big money for his top guns, and until the Alabama case had managed to avoid a sullied reputation.

However, some have wondered exactly where his reputation will be when this saga finally ends.

At the core of the issue is Saban, and whether he is interested in Alabama.

From the first moment the Saban story first reared its ugly head nearly three weeks ago, Sexton has been shooting it down with Tomahawk missiles. He easily could have offered "no comment" or little comment or said something without really saying anything.

Instead, Sexton has responded in an almost condescending fashion, slapping down the rumors with sledgehammer force.

I have had three different conversations with Sexton during this Saban odyssey and he has been downright hostile when the subject was brought up. It was like he was saying: How dare you think my man would stoop so low as to consider Alabama.

That brings to mind a variation of the old line from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" -- Me thinks he doth protest too much.

Sexton denied talking directly to Alabama. He denied talking indirectly. He denied using lawyers and go-betweens. He came close to denying he had heard of or been in the state of Alabama.

Yet, the story won't die and Saban himself, indirectly, of course, cast some serious doubt on his own agent's credibility, saying recently: "They (Alabama) called Jimmy and said, 'Is Nick interested?' and Jimmy said, 'No,'" Saban said. "Jimmy asked me on several occasions and I said, 'No. I'm interested in staying here (Miami). We're in the middle of a season. I'm committed to our team and our players trying to do what we have to do.'"

This Saban comment came immediately after the Miami Herald reported that Alabama offered the Dolphins' coach as much as $57 million to come to Tuscaloosa. Everybody denied the story, including Sexton, of course. When it comes to denials, this man is never far from his cell phone.

Some at Alabama didn't buy Sexton's denial at all, fingering him as the chief leaker to embarrass the school and also raise the stakes on Saban's worth.

Who knows?

At one point during the Spurrier story, Alabama officials became so disgusted with Sexton and had such a high degree of distrust they made efforts to contact the South Carolina coach through intermediaries. They wanted nothing to do with Sexton any longer, or so they said.

Of course, when Spurrier spurned them, guess what? UA officials were right back at Sexton's door inquiring about Saban. Memories can be short in times of trouble.

So in the end, Alabama will get a head coach sometime soon, although it may not be one of blue-chip reputation.

Sexton will still have a stable of clients when this saga ends, as well. But the question begs to be asked: How much damage will his reputation have suffered?

Contact Paul Finebaum at:

finebaumnet@yahoo.com

His column appears Tuesdays and Saturdays in the Press-Register.

Seem's like Finebaum knows show the next man SHOULD BE!

Finebaum is either pleading his case or knows something. If history repeats itself, then the later should be true. Finebaum is typically like a well trained pointer on a brisk February morning frozen on a covey in a beige meadow - RIGHT ON POINT.
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Saban has easy choice to make

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Imagine for just a moment you could get inside Nick Saban's brain. What do you think is going on in there? Is he considering Alabama? Has he already ruled it out?

More than likely, the only thing Saban is thinking about is the next football game -- Monday night against the New York Jets and then turning around six days later to travel to Indianapolis for the season-ender on Dec. 31.

However, when the NFL season is finally over, when the Dolphins will be watching the playoffs from home for the second straight year under the great Saban, some decisions will have to be made.

Should he bail on a storied franchise with one of the greatest traditions and one of the greatest former head coaches in history, but one that continues to misfire? Should he do all of that to go to a storied college with one of the greatest traditions and the greatest former head coach, but one that continues to misfire?

In other words, should he give up on becoming the next Don Shula in Miami and try to become the next Bear Bryant at Alabama?

Usually, when trying to decide to leave one job for another, money is the first consideration. Not with Saban. He left LSU (he was already the highest paid coach in college ball) two years ago for approximately $5 million a year. He was given total control in Miami, something that didn't occur the year before when he surprised many by turning down the Chicago Bears.

He didn't make a snap decision in leaving LSU. Saban spent days agonizing over the offer. In other words, simply because Saban's season in Miami ends on Dec. 31, don't expect a decision by the time the ball falls on Times Square at midnight.

The issue will likely come down to whether Saban believes he has a future in pro football. Saban left LSU (and a national championship caliber team) because he felt the Miami offer would be his best shot at the NFL. But does he still love the NFL after 100 weeks of 16-hour days and little success?

Nick Saban is just another coach in the NFL. He's not on anybody's list of best head coaches. Not even close. Still, he makes a fortune. But so did Steve Spurrier. Saban was the hottest thing going two years ago but so was Jon Gruden four years ago, and his future in Tampa is colder than the North Pole.

If Saban fails to make the playoffs in Miami next year, will he have a future? Will he even have a job?

That is the real question. Until now, Saban has been playing with house money in Miami. Not anymore. He's on the clock.

Oh, some say, the Alabama job isn't what it used to be. You can't win because of all the meddling. Please. On his first day, Saban would be the most powerful man to hold that position since Bryant. Nobody will challenge him. Nobody.

For one thing, considering the desperate nature of this search, the hiring of Saban won't only be considered a grand slam, it will be the longest ball ever hit. It will immediately signal to the legions of critics that Alabama not only has a pulse, but it has one of the finest college coaches in the game. Would Saban, on his first day, be considered the best coach in college football?

Probably not. But one thing is sure: He'd be on the front row in a group picture.

The complexion and direction of Alabama football would change about as dramatically as it did in 1958 when Bryant came home.

Saban knows this. He is a smart guy. So what does he do in two weeks when the Dolphins' season finally ends and he is faced with yet another seminal moment in his career?

Does he stay the course and try to right the ship with the Dolphins, a club which hasn't been to the playoffs since 2001 and in a Super Bowl since 1985? Does he continue to knock heads every week against the likes Bill Belichick, his mentor, and Tony Dungy and Bill Cowher or does he try to match wits with Tommy Tuberville, Les Miles, Houston Nutt and throw in Sly Croom and Ed Orgeron for good measure?

One thing is for sure. Saban knows he can compete in the SEC (although he was only 2-3 against Tuberville). He has yet to prove anything on a consistent basis in the NFL. Will he ever?

Today, at a bitterly disappointing 6-8, now mired in last place in the AFC East and his preseason Super Bowl expectations shattered, the decision doesn't look as difficult.

Saban does not look like the kind of man who wants to run from a challenge and that's exactly what he has in Miami. Expectations are no longer the issue. It's results or bust.

At Alabama, it's a different story. He would inherit a five-game losing streak to Auburn. Now, who wouldn't leap at a chance at ending that stranglehold? He would walk into a program that from a national perception has hardly ever been lower. He would be a hero everywhere he went.

Say what you want about the sunshine in South Florida, but not only will money go a lot farther in Tuscaloosa, the lifestyle is plenty suitable for a man who never sees daylight (outside of practice) because his head is buried in a film room.

Saban knows all of this. If he survived five years in Baton Rouge, Tuscaloosa will seem like a holiday.

So the decision is his. What would you do? Seems rather simple, doesn't it?

Contact Paul Finebaum at:

finebaumnet@yahoo.com

His column appears Tuesdays and Saturdays in the Press-Register.

To Saban or Not to Saban ?

I don't know what to think about the coaching search at Alabama. I like the fact that now all of the world can now see that we have the worst athletic director in the nation. This should give him a retirement party sooner than later. MAL MUST GO!

Nick Saban - The name that just will not go away! I have read that the UA administration is going to wait until after the NFL season to court him properly. I suggest getting on your knee's and begging! I have said time and time again that Nick Saban is not going to Alabama. However, I have been wrong before (ha, ha, ha)!

http://MemphisTider.blogspot.com had this post that I thought was interesting.

Saban bandwagon

Y'know...honestly, it just looks more and more like the Saban fans are going to be right about this one.

I jumped on the Spurrier bandwagon partly because of all the stuff that I KNEW was happening. Spurrier was going to be the next head coach...what happened after the initial agreement, I have no idea. I've heard Bama fucked with the contract, etc. Either way, they missed out on it. Next in line, from what I understand, was Saban. The BOT got involved with crap again and decided that, because of recruiting, etc, they couldn't wait until January to "talk" with Nick, so they went after Rich Rodriguez. After that flopped, and Mal and Dr. Witt both became irritated with media leaks, they are now waiting for Nick Saban.

And with just cause.

Papa John's found buying stake in Dolphins

So the Dolphins are in the middle of a financial situation. And Mr. Saban is not going to make the playoffs again. Chris Mortensen, from ESPN.com, thinks that Saban is Alabama's top prospect and that Saban is still interested, but won't discuss it until the season's over.

""So, here we go again with Nick Saban as the focal point of Alabama's search," Chris Mortensen said on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, according to an ESPN transcript. "Saban acknowledged the Crimson Tide had been in contact with his agent, Jimmy Sexton, but that he was sticking to his commitment to Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga, who waited for two days on a airport tarmac to coax a reluctant Saban out of his LSU job two years ago. End of story? Saban's public pronouncement came when it appeared [Rich] Rodriguez was taking the job. Saban had always been Alabama's first choice and they initially floated a 10-year offer between $35 and $40 million. If there's no coach in place when the Dolphins' season ends Dec. 31, well, stay tuned.

"Saban was clearly annoyed when asked to respond to the reports during his Monday news conference.

"I've addressed this enough. When does this become a dead story?'' Saban said. "I've already said what I said. I've talked to my team and I don't think I need to continue to address this. I'm about trying to beat Buffalo and focusing on that. I don't see the issue here or any reason to talk about it.''

"I have no intentions of going anywhere,'' Saban said. "They might not want me here after this season. Did you ever think of that?''

Saban's response drew quite a bit of laughs from reporters, who probably won't back off the issue until the Crimson Tide names a successor to Shula."


Sooo...is Nick unhappy in the NFL? He could make almost as much, and he would be left with the task of fixing an incredibly screwed up athletic department.

We haven't had a coach step in and tell the BOT to back off since Stallings. Luckily, Stallings had Hootie Ingram. If Mal can get Saban, resign after the spring, and hand over his duties to Ozzie Newsom, then you'll again have a coach that can take control of the football program and keep everyone else's hands out of it.

There are only a few coaches that can really fix Alabama's situation, and Saban is one of them.

Auburn Diploma is worth 2 sheets of Toilet Paper!!!

If you haven't paid attention to what's going on in Auburn, you should! They have essentially discounted their academic problems within their athletic program. The New York Times has done a great job revealing that there is a reason that Auburn keeps getting those "questionable" player out of high school who have no issues keeping their grades up. The NYT has identified that Auburn has allowed it's academic program to be mismanaged so bad that players essentially were given grades. The word from Auburn is that they have an academic problem not an athletic problem! Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't Auburn under probation from the Southern College Academic Association recently? The president came out yesterday and said that he couldn't understand why the NYT would be looking into this at Auburn of all places. It appears that Auburn's leadership is going to essentially ignore this and move forward as to indite those who led this fraud and purged them from their faculty.

IF I WAS AN AUBURN GRAD (I almost went as they have a strong Engineering program), I WOULD BE DANCING ON THE PRESIDENTS DESK. Essentiallly, the Auburn leaders have said that academics are secondary, no teriary, to winning in Athletics!

It was clear to me that Tommy Tubberville has no class by rubbing 5 wins in a row against Alabama by himself, his coaches, and his players holding up the hand with the thumb! Now it is clear to me that Auburn University (which I have always admired for their pharmacy, pulp and paper, game management, and engineering programs) has no class either. Otherwise they would hold the faculty who cheat their students accountable and hold those students who are too lazy or ignorant accountable!


Articles & Clip of Interest:

Paul Finebaum Interview about the Auburn Issues

Auburn Doesn’t Plan to Forward Its Audit

An Audit Reveals More Academic Questions at Auburn

Transcripts of Athletes Now Receive Closer Review

No News is Bad News for UA

I am like the majority of you this morning just wondering what are we going to do? I am glad if no one knows what's going on because I firmly believe that the unethical media is hurting the coaching search. Regardless, the longer this lasts the more incompetent our leadership at UA looks. Some say that they are taking time to reflect upon where they are and not make a hasty decision. This same attitude have allowed interested coaches to take other jobs because they didn't know if Shula was going to be back in 2008 - ie. Butch Davis. I just wish that they appeared to have a plan in this process. Who knows? I may be wrong on this whole situation. Maybe they have had a plan all along. I have my doubts because of the Rich Rodriguez situation. Therefore, I feel that no news is bad news.

Taking their time has now put these clowns in a corner as they have already said that they want a "proven winner head coach," which limits their options as all of the proven NCAA coaches available are essentially gone or have made their intentions known that they are going no where. Taking a coordinator from another NCAA program or a head coach at a Div-II school is off the table based on the criteria by Mal Moore. If they just go out and get the best coach available who fits the need for the Bama nation, everything will be fine. Programs like Oklahoma and Ohio State went out and got a "unproven head coach" and they appear to be doing quite fine...

In this game of Need-A-Coach Musical Chairs: I just hope we have a chair when the music stops!

A Finebaum Must Read!

This is sad but true! Remember while you are reading this that everything mentioned below has occured while Mal Moore was in charge. Does anyone have a clue? MAL MUST GO!

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Breaking bad news to Bear

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

The brisk, icy wind was whipping the barren tree branches as I slowly walked from the car down the narrow, rocky road. In the background, I heard the faint sound of a train slowly making its way down the track. It was near dusk as I arrived at Lot 57, Block 30 in Birmingham's Elmwood Cemetery.

"So, you are back?"

It was the deep, gravely and resonant voice of the Bear.

"There has been a lot happening since my last visit, Coach," I said. "Thought I better get over here and fill you in."

"Get to it, son."

"Alabama's looking for another coach," I said.

"I don't care about all that," he interrupted. "What bowl we going to this year? Sugar? I would like to beat those ... from Notre Dame again."

"Well, Coach, Alabama is playing Oklahoma State in the PetroSun Independence Bowl in Shreveport."

"Shreveport!" said the Bear. "What is that cow pasture doing hosting a bowl game?"

"Coach, Alabama went 6-6 this year and there's trouble on the horizon."

Coach Bryant paused for a moment, then finally, said, "OK, you better start from the beginning. Last time you visited me, Franchione had just left for Texas A&M and we hired Price from Washington State. I guess he finally wore out his welcome after four years, huh. I knew we should have hired Danny Ford."

I informed Coach Bryant that Price never made it to the first game. He was fired in May of 2003 because of an alleged transgression with a stripper.

Suddenly, the ground shook and a crashing noise could be heard. At first, it sounded like an explosion. I soon realized it was laughter. Coach Bryant finally said: "And they fired him for that?"

"Yes, sir, President Robert Witt said that kind of behavior was not acceptable at Alabama."

"So, who took over? No, don't tell me. They brought back Bebes and he wants to head back to the ranch now. Can't say I blame him. He's no spring chicken anymore."

"No coach, they hired Shula."

"Shula, well, I'll be," Bryant said. "I never liked him, but he did win a few Super Bowls. So what happened, the old Mount Rushmore face finally hang it up. Don't blame him. He must be pushing 75."

"Uh, Coach, they hired Mike Shula, his youngest son."

"Mike Shula. You mean, the little kid who played for Perkins and then got run out of the NFL."

"Yes, Coach. They fired him after losing the Auburn game at home."

There was silence for a moment. "He lost to Auburn at home. How embarrassing. How could Alabama ever lose to the cow college at home?"

"Coach, he lost four straight to Auburn. You're not going to believe this, but the school gave him a new contract earlier this year and raised his salary to nearly $2 million a year. This followed a blowout last year at Auburn when the Tide was down 21-0 in the first quarter and the quarterback got sacked 11 times. On top of that, Alabama had to pay Shula an additional $4 million on a buyout."

"What kind of morons do we having running our school?"

"Well, coach ..."

"How many national championships did Shula win?"

"None, Coach."

"Well, I realize it's tough to win it all now with that stupid BCS. I had trouble winning three straight myself. What about SEC championships? How many?"

"None, Coach."

"Let me get this straight. He didn't win any national championships? He didn't win any SEC titles and never beat Auburn and they gave him a raise and a new contract? Do we have The Three Stooges running this school?"

"Coach, let's cut to the chase. Shula was 26-23 after four years. He was 2-14 against Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU and Auburn."

"Is Mal on Auburn's payroll? Is he some kind of secret agent sleeping with the enemy. How does he keep his job? What is going on there?"

"And Coach, Alabama has now lost five straight to Auburn and five out of seven to Tuberville."

"I always liked that boy, Tubby. I knew his kin folk from over in Camden (Ark.) Why don't we just go hire him and end this debate once and for all."

There was quiet for a few minutes and then finally, Coach Bryant said: "OK, enough of this. So where is the search going now? I hope we're going to hire Spurrier. He's the best coach I've seen since I walked the sidelines. Love that guy. I think he might have even given me fits."

"Well, Coach, it looked like they had a shot at him but they dropped the ball and Spurrier ended up getting a contract extension at South Carolina."

"You're kidding me. Who is running this stupid search? There's no way they're letting Mal get anywhere near it, right?"

"Well, Coach, pretty much Mal, Paul Jr. and the president are in charge."

"Oh, my goodness."

"Coach, are you OK?"

"I'm sorry, I just can't believe this. So where are we now?"

"Well, the school supposedly offered Nick Saban a small fortune. Story in the Miami paper said with the bonuses, the number could go as high as $57 million, although Alabama folks denied it."

"He's not bad. A little arrogant. So when does Saban start?"

"Uh, Coach, he said he wasn't interested."

"He turned down $57 million?" said Bryant, his voice raging with anger. Finally, he calmed down and said, "So what's next? Petrino?"

"Said he wasn't interested."

"Beamer?"

"Same."

"What about Butch Davis? Didn't he put Miami back on the map after probation?"

"Coach, he desperately wanted the job but Alabama let him get away to North Carolina first."

A loud groan was heard.

"Then the school offered to double the salary of Rich Rodriguez of West Virginia."

"West Virginia," screamed the Bear. "Why would we hire a coach from that backwoods place? I can't believe we hired the stupid West Virginia coach at Alabama. How embarrassing. He better not put on one of my houndstooth hats."

"Uh, Coach, he turned it down, too. Said he wanted to stay in Morgantown."

Suddenly, the whipping wind stopped cold and there was neither sound nor motion.

A small, faint echo emitted, almost like a small baby crying. It became a little louder and finally, stopped.

"I'm sorry," said Bryant. "I got a little bit emotional for a second. I can't believe after all those years I put in that this has happened to my beloved school. We have become a laughingstock, a national punch line. Tell me, son, is there any hope at all?"

I took a deep breath and began walking toward my car. I looked back for a fleeting moment and slowly shook my head in silence.

Contact Paul Finebaum at:

finebaumnet@yahoo.com

His column appears Tuesdays and Saturdays in the Press-Register.

It's because of the Fans...RIGHT!!!

I have heard posts to the effect about Coach Rich Rodriguez, "Rich did not come to Alabama because the money didn't matter. He loves WVU more than money. He is a man of the fans and we are glad to have him." All of those WVU fans need to understand one thing: It was all about Money! He just pulled off one of the biggest stunts in the history of the NCAA against his own alma matter and they love him more today because of it. After the big sigh of relief and jubiliation of keeping their coach from the WVU fans, what really happened to make Coach Rod stay. Say a cool ~$600,000 raise. Whether or not he was truly sincere in his "flirtation rather engagement (his words)" with the University of Alabama, he got what he really wanted - MONEY. And I bet you that if Bama really wanted him and offered more money than WVU could ante up to, he would have packed his bags and move to Tuscaloosa county. NOTE: Coach Rod with his thumb up here - his agent taught him how to do this!!!

"It's all 'bout the Money boys!!!" quote from Big Dan Teague in the motion picture O Brother Where Art Thou.

Who Really Rejected Bama This Weekend!

I believe that all of the Bama Nation was surprised to hear that Coach Rodriguez rejected the offer to be the next Bama head football coach. However, in this process we once again find winners and losers! There is a very, very good thing that has come from this most recent embarrassment of the UA Athletic program: MAL MUST GO!!!

If any of you haven't read my previous post about Mal, please go back and check the history. In this most recent episode we have learned once again that we can give Mal the Knucklehead award for AD's! If you are courting a coach and want to get him, slam dunk, you don't offer him double his salary. Thats sounds ridiculous in real life but we are talking about the NCAA machine. By offering a reported $2.1 million for Rodriguez services, this provided WVU the opportunity to counter in some means to match this offer. If we would have threw a number close to $3 million on the table, WVU could not touch it. Think about it! Coaching at WVU is probably like coaching at Missouri (not to take nothing away from WVU or Missouri). Large state school, fan base is strong but not to the likes of a SEC school, mild pressure, etc... In the SEC or Bama specifically, the pressure is on every day of your life. You can't take the wife and kids to the local steakhouse without a bodyguard. People will criticize your wife's hair (couldn't resist), children's friends, house of residence, etc... It is a 24/7/365 job that is a pressure cooker. Why would he want to leave for another million dollars when he can have 4 times less pressure to do the same job at a school where he is praised not questioned everyday? I don't think that I would have left in the same circumstances (crimson colored glasses are not being worn here).

The biggest issue is why? Why did we Low-Ball the offer to get Coach Rodriguez? Well, quite simply, Mal Moore. He is in direct control of this coaching search. The board of trustees are out of it - Mal will make these decisions. The president (who was the sole person who took a stand in the Mike Price case and told him to not unpack his bags) is out of this search!

MAL MUST GO! but not yet! We can not afford to replace both AD and head coach at the same time as this would be disastrous, if it couldn't get any worse.

I don't know but I would like to see the President to tell Mal to consult him and take charge of this coach search as Mal has definately proven that he is incompetent.

MAL MUST GO! MAL MUST GO! repeat if necessary (yes, it is very necessary)...

To Be Continued!!!

Possible Candidates

Here are a few possible candidates out there for the next Bama head coach. This is from the http://memphistider.blogspot.com. Check them out as they have good stuff from time to time.

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New Candidates

Here's a list I just put together of possibilities. I'm not going to saw how likely they are...just people I think they may be looking at. I'll put whether or not I think it would be a good decision.

Bob Stoops: Head Coach of the Oklahoma Sooners

Word is that Stoops is unhappy with the administration in Norman and may want a way out. We'd have to pay some SERIOUS money to get him, but I, for one, feel like it would be worth it. We'd easily have to offer a 7 year, $3.5 mil/year offer along with some serious incentives, but I think that's doable.

Gene Stallings: Former University of Alabama Head Coach

Bebes told Mal 4 years ago that he would be willing to take over the program for a few years and get it headed in the right direction so they could pinpoint their next target, but Mal declined. He's 71 years old, but he is in excellent health and I think still has a fire to coach for another 5-10 years. They could hire him and pick up another assistant coach to breed for the job when he leaves. He stated today on Finebaum that he would LOVE to come back and coach Alabama, but not for a long amount of time.

Paul Johnson: Head Coach at U.S. Naval Academy (aka Navy)

Won multiple DI-AA national titles at Georgia Southern before taking over Navy 4 years ago. Adapts to his personnel and finds the best option for his guys to win. Knows that you have to play good defense and run the football in order to be successful, but also understands that passing is important as well. Could be a steal if we land him.

Jim Grobe: Head Coach of Wake Forest Demon Deacons

I don't think he's the best fit at all. He's not a proven winner, but he does coach good fundamentals. Defensive minded, focuses on the run. Might do ok, but I don't think they'll win consistently with him as the leader of this group. Might average 8 wins per year, but that won't suffice for us.

Mike Stoops: Head Coach of the Arizona Wildcats

Supposedly told people around Oklahoma that he would have "walked from OK to Alabama for the job" four years ago before Price was hired. The knock on him was that he did not have head coaching experience. Has that really changed? He's not proven, but you can see the fire he works with.

Sylvester Croom: Head Coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs

Was passed over three years ago, hasn't proven anything as a coach, but he bleeds Crimson and was a Bear boy. State has shown the ability to get better throughout the year, but has yet to get over 3 wins in one year. Is not a great recruiter, but that could change if he comes to Alabama as the first black coach in the school's history.

Jeff Bower: Head Coach of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles

I believe that ALL Bama fans have the utmost respect for Coach Bower. He is a proven winner, has won multiple conference usa championships, and isn't scared of anybody. He has not had the talent at Southern Miss to be able to beat the big boys year in and year out, making it almost impossible for him to even get close to a BCS bowl. He could do good things here at Bama. I don't know if this is what the fans want though. It would be like hiring your younger brother.

Mike Leach: Head Coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders

Is a proven winner, I guess, but has not been able to beat rival Texas (not many people have lately). He has no clue what's up with defense, and that's what worries me the most. I'm sure he would probably fix the offensive problems, but what's the use in scoring 35 points if we give up 38. If he leaves the defensive staff alone, he might be able to put something together here. Scary hire.

Steve Kragthorpe: Head Coach of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Was the hot name at the beginning of the year. He won the Conference USA title last year, but is only 21-17 so far at Tulsa. Not really a proven winner, was favored to win C-USA again and didn't even get close. Probably had a better shot at the NC job than this one. Don't think Alabama will even think about him.

Frank Solich: Head Coach of the Ohio Bobcats

Solich was at Nebraska for several years, but was fired after a 9-3 season wasn't good enough in Lincoln. They suffered from the same tradition crap we did and are now stuck with a fired Oakland Raiders coach. Anyway, he has taken a losing team and turned them into winners at Ohio. They lost in the MAC championship game to Central Michigan and ended the season with a 9-4 record. I don't really think he'd be a good fit, but he is an option.

Mike Sherman: Asst. Head Coach of the Houston Texans

Sherman is the former head coach of the Green Bay Packers. He tossed his own name in the hat to let people know he is interested in the job. If nothing else, he's a good leader and did a good job with the packers after Mike Holmgren left. He's known for being a defensive minded coach with a lot of NFL experience, but no college experience. He'd have to have some help finding some college asst coaches to work on recruiting. It'd be another experiment, and I don't think we want that.

Jeff Tedford: Head Coach of the Cal Golden Bears

I have no idea why I'm even mentioning him. He's always been a west coast guy, but a lot of people are talking about him pretty highly and they seem to think he'd leave his home state to come down to Bama. I think he'd help the offensive troubles. Again, his defense stinks. Simply won't fit here.

Bo Pelini: Defensive Coordinator of the LSU Tigers

Pelini has had excellent defenses at Nebraska, Oklahoma, and LSU. He knows what it takes to win, and was a winner even as an interim coach at Nebraska. Might be a good next step. Stoops started out as a defensive coordinator. Pelini might be the next good one. I think he'd be a great hire.

Brent Venables: Defensive Coordinator of the Oklahoma Sooners

If you can't get Bob Stoops, get a young guy with a fire to win that learned under him. Stoops is easily the most successful coach of the past decade, and anybody that's been under him learning defense, etc for an extended amount of time might be a good hire. Still think he's possibly too young and his name's not quite big enough yet.

David Cutcliffe: Offensive Coordinator of the Tennessee Volunteers

He can't recruit for nothin', but he is a Bama boy, and he did win at Ole Miss, which not many people have been able to do lately. He would've found a way to win games last year and this year at Ole Miss, and you've seen what he did with Tennessee's offense this year. This is a VERY last resort type of hire.

Told you that "I have been wrong before"

ROD-JECTED! (click here for Tidesport column)

Surprised. Really? I don't know that I can say that in all confidence. Wearing Crimson tinted glasses, I expected Coach Rodriguez to come. All of the Bama Nation wanted this behind us and wanted a charismatic coach. I thought that he was the man. HOWEVER, put yourself in his shoes, if you were successful in the only NCAA Div-I program in the state in a conference where you have a very good chance to win and get the BCS game (if you beat Louisville and this year Rutgers) every year, Would You Leave? You are in a situation (like Tommy Tuberville) where the coach has more power than the president of the university and especially the Athletic Director. I would not be surprised to see the AD of WVU be put out to pasture. His poor action of the agreeded upon plan with Rich during last summer to help improve the facilities was the sticking point. Coach Rich would not leave WVU for UA due to fan support, this is understandable. He can stay HOME at his alma mater and as long as he continues to have decent winning seasons and become an idol. Sounds like a past Bama coach: Bear Bryant (I am not saying Rich is Bear). I bet that he is more popular than the govenor (he already makes more).

Bama fan's don't feel upset at Coach Rod for what just went down. I will address who really rejected Alabama in this recent embarrassment in a later blog.

Sorry for posting this so late. No, I have not been in mourning, I was in the woods doing a little deer hunting.

URGENT UPDATE: "Hot Rod" Gets the Offer!

As expected (see previous post), Coach "Hot Rod" Rodriguez receives official offer from the University of Alabama (click here for details)!


Details not public yet! Keep checking back here at bamabuck.blogspot.com OR www.tidesports.com and www.finebaum.com for more breaking details!

Coach "Hot Rod" but I Have Been Wrong Before!!!

Finebaum has said that Mal Moore is "attempting to do it right; and appears that he is conducting this search correct. He is shooting for the moon!" As mentioned in previous posts, in today's Ready-Fire-Aim media there is the tendency to see reports of misleading information just to beat the rest of the pack. I thought that Fox 10 from Mobile, Alabama was doing so; however, the most trusted news source in the state of Alabama is reporting the same thing - The Tuscaloosa News. Cecil Hurt has also confirmed that sources inside the search at UA have noted that Saban was a "prominent figure" in the search (click here to see Cecil's report) but that contrary to reports from Fox 10, no one from UA has held a meeting with Saban (click here to see the Fox 10 news video).

My thoughts, for what they are worth. I believe that you will hear today that Alabama has extended an offer to Rich Rodriguez. I doubt you will here the details of the offer unless he accepts. I bet that he will accept on Friday. It was reported in the Charleston Daily Mail that Rodriguez met with the AD for 2 hours yesterday. Based on reported comments that meeting did not go to well if you are a WVU fan. The AD, Ed Pastilong, did not offer any comments about the future of Coach "Hot Rod" (I like that name) but alluded to the fact that they may not be inclined to offer him more compensation of a contract extension, as they just did this summer. Published reports from the same newspaper are speculating that Alabama's offer will be in the neighborhood of 3 times his current salary.

Yeah - 3 Times his Current Salary!!! Would You Go?

I believe this is how it is going to unfold! You should see Rich in crimson on TV this Friday saying he is ready to have his own statue in the plaza out in front of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

NOTE: I have been wrong before...

SABAN will not Go Away!

BREAKING NEWS: Fox 10 News from Mobile is reporting that Nick Saban will be interviewed tomorrow. This appears to be another case of un-ethical reporting in the state of Alabama. When this is all done, I hope the "pot-stirrer's" are Fired!!! I could be wrong, but really...

Here's the story (click here).

Stop the Madness!!!

Bill Curry Get a Job!

Recently the Bama program has been taking major hits from the national media about firing Mike Shula prematurely. I am tired of this as I am sure that the majority of these "so-called" sports knowledgeable people never saw an Alabama football game this season. Those who haven't lived in the south can't understand how important college football is to the population. Even the smaller poor schools take it very, very seriously.

However, someone who still just doesn't get it; our ex-coach Bill Curry is spewing out his rhetoric about how we have messed up with Shula as he is still on probation. If any one of those knuckle heads at ESPN should understand, it would have to be Bill Curry. If you recall in 1989, he went 10-2 his last year at the capstone, won the SEC outright (prior to championship game), and got fired at the end of the season. WHY??? He lost to Auburn 4 straight years in a row! You have to win against your rival occasionally to be at Alabama. The fan base demands it as it is 24/7/365 in the state!

Want to get sick read his article (click here).

Get a job Bill Curry! Wait a minute he has a job! Teaching at Baylor (uppity private high school) in Chattanooga, TN. To take his story seriously, let's consider the source: Head Football Coach, ESPN Color guy, Private High School Teacher. In a few years he may digress to WalMart Greeter (no offense to the WalMart Greeter's of the world).

Storm in WVU! Their AD is crayfishing...

I believe that it is a done deal with Rich Rodriguez! It is clear to me that the current AD, Ed Pastilong, has not lived up to his commitments to Coach Rod. It is clear that since Rich and the WVU AD are meeting this afternoon, I would bet to say that the AD is crayfishing saying "whatever you want Rich! Yes, coach. What else can I get for you? A new office, sure no problem." Rich is probably on the other side of the table saying 'didn't you tell me that you were going to do things for the football program before?' If this thing goes down as expected maybe both AD's (Mal Moore and Ed Pastilong) will be removed from their positions. The full story is can be read at the following link (click here).

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Pastilong disputes reports

by Jacob Messer
Daily Mail sportswriter

West Virginia Athletic Director Ed Pastilong obviously doesn't want to lose Rich Rodriguez as the Mountaineer football coach.

Yet Pastilong balances that sense of urgency with a desire to set the record straight on several issues that have been discussed about Alabama's interest in Rodriguez.

"We want Rich to stay with us," Pastilong said Tuesday. "We made a strong commitment this summer with regard to salaries and facilities."

WVU rewarded Rodriguez with a seven-year contract worth $8.65 million in June.

Alabama reportedly wants to offer Rodriguez a deal worth almost three times as much. He would replace Mike Shula, who was fired as the Tide's coach on Nov. 26.

Pastilong wouldn't discuss whether WVU would make a counter offer, although sources said it is unlikely considering Rodriguez agreed to his current contract only five months ago.

Contrary to published reports, Pastilong said he spoke with Rodriguez on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

"And we plan on continuing our dialogue," Pastilong said.

Rodriguez reportedly has questioned the commitment WVU has made -- and will make -- to him and his program, specifically in regard to improving his team's facilities and increasing his assistants' salaries.

"All I want is to see us competitive in every aspect with every other team in the Big East," Rodriguez has been quoted as saying.

"That means facilities and everything that goes into a football program. My goal is to be competitive with every team in the Big East as far as a total football program. It's just a matter of talking about it and getting it done."

For example, Rodriguez wants a new academic center. In fact, that was one of the make-or-break items during negotiations for his current contract.

The Charleston Gazette reported Monday that Rodriguez was unhappy because "while the school ultimately promised to help build the center -- by remodeling the Thomas Room in the Puskar Center -- the project was to be privately funded.

"Yet now, more than five months later, no formal fund-raising campaign has been started. Rodriguez even offered to get the ball rolling with his own donation, apparently to no avail."

That information, Pastilong said, "is incorrect."

WVU already has raised half of the $2 million needed for building the academic center, according to Pastilong, and should have the rest of it next month.

That project will start "relatively soon," Pastilong said. "We're going to do that one first."

Then, WVU will turn its attention to the $4 million needed for renovating the first-floor facilities inside the Milan Puskar Center -- yet another Rodriguez initiative. That project will include the Mountaineers' locker room but not their weight room.

Rodriguez is aware of all that information, Pastilong said, because Assistant Athletic Director Whit Babcock (athletic development executive director) and Associate Athletic Director Russ Sharp (finance and administration) have kept him updated.

"(Rodriguez) has been heavily involved in regard to the planning of the study center and the locker room," Pastilong said.

"(Babcock) has been updating him as far as the funding process and (Sharp) has been working with him as far as the actual construction. We have an open dialogue with (Rodriguez). It's daily."

Pastilong said a pair of projects -- installing new artificial turf inside the Caperton Indoor Facility ($500,000) and putting together the Donald J. Brohard Hall of Traditions inside the Puskar Center ($300,000) -- already is completed.

Pastilong said another pair of projects -- installing new artificial turf at Mountaineer Field and expanding the club-level seating there ($2 million combined) -- is expected to be done within a few months.

"We're preparing bids right now," Pastilong said. "That should be done by this summer."

As for the salaries of the nine WVU assistant coaches, Rodriguez asked for $90,000 to be divided among them at his discretion. WVU actually gave him $125,000 -- $35,000 more than he requested.

"The media reports were incorrect," Pastilong said. "It's clear that we're strongly committed to our coach and our football program.

"We want Coach Rodriguez to have the resources needed to be successful. We're working with him. It has been a great effort department-wide, especially by the people helping with the funding."

The athletic department, however, must remain financially responsible.

"We're like any organization or company," Pastilong said. "On June 30, we have to balance the checkbook. But we do realize we need to do everything possible to have a successful football program."

Contact sportswriter Jacob Messer at 348-1712.

Getting your Ducks in a Row???

Maybe... Coach Mal Moore is getting all of the details, legal issues, $'s, etc... for the contract compiled sooner rather than later for Rich Rodriguez. He was suppose to be headed to the Bama/NotreDame Basketball game; but came home to T-Town for some reason. Wonder what he is doing?

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BREAKING NEWS: Moore in Tuscaloosa, but no coach on the plane; Rodriguez meets with WVU athletic director.

By David Wasson
Executive Sports Editor

UPDATED 3:15 p.m. TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama Athletics Director Mal Moore landed in Tuscaloosa Wednesday afternoon — without a coach or confirmation that he has offered West Virginia Rich Rodriguez a job as the new head football coach for the Crimson Tide.

“I don’t have anything for you guys yet,” Moore said from the passenger side of a car before driving away from the Bama Air terminal at Tuscaloosa Regional Airport.

“I think things are going well. We are just following our planned course of action.”

When asked whether he has offered Rodriguez the job to replace Mike Shula and become Alabama’s 27th head football coach, Moore said “I don’t want to comment on any of that right now. Just give me some time, here.

“Both sides are working.”

Rodriguez, who is in his sixth year as coach of the Mountaineers, was in Morgantown, W.Va., on Wednesday.

According to the Charleston Daily Mail, Rodriguez met for two hours with WVU athletic director Ed Pastilong. Pastilong said they discussed the upcoming Gator Bowl game against Georgia Tech on Jan. 1, 2007, among other matters.

Asked if the Alabama job was discussed, Pastilong said “I cannot talk about that, because it is a personnel issue.”

Pastilong indicated to the Daily Mail that the school may not be inclined to offer Rodriguez another raise after signing an extension in the summer that also included a raise to close to $1.1 million annually and a possibility of more than $400,000 in additional performance bonuses.

“We are like any organization or company. On June 30, we have to balance the checkbook, but we do realize we need to do everything possible to have a successful football program.”

Rodriguez’s contract includes a $2 million penalty if he leaves West Virginia before Aug. 31, 2007.

A source told the Daily Mail that, contrary to published reports earlier Wednesday, no Mountaineers assistant coaches had been pulled off the recruiting trail. Also, the University of Miami has not contacted West Virginia for permission to talk to Rodriguez about their vacancy.

Moore traveled from Teterboro Airport in suburban New Jersey to Tuscaloosa via a chartered Canadair CL-600 Challenger 604 jet. He was the only one on the plane to disembark in Tuscaloosa at 1:20 p.m. before it traveled to Montgomery later Wednesday.

Moore’s return to Tuscaloosa was not his original plan for this week. The UA athletic director was scheduled to fly from New York — where he was attending College Football Hall of Fame ceremonies, talking with people about the Alabama vacancy and meeting with Rodriguez — to Chicago today in order to watch the Tide’s fourth-ranked basketball team against Notre Dame on Thursday.

More on Alabama’s coaching search to come later Wednesday on www.tidesports.com, and in Thursday’s Tuscaloosa News.

Sports writer Tommy Deas contributed to this report.

Reach David Wasson at david.wasson@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0229.

Today's Early News!

Today's news coming from Cecil Hurt gives more insight to the meeting than the ESPN article (Click Here for Link). I don't understand it but Nick Saban's name will not go away - why would he leave the NFL for Alabama? Not money and power; it seems to be a step-back to me. However there are more reasons for working in a job besides money, power, and desire! Keith Dunnavant reported on Finebaum yesterday (Paul Finebaum confirmed) that the door to Nick Saban is still open (click here for the link).

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Rodriguez has 'good meeting’ with UA

By Cecil Hurt and Tommy Deas
Sports Staff

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Moore was reached by The Tuscaloosa News in his room at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, but said only that he “couldn’t really comment" on his activities in the coaching search.

Attempts by The Tuscaloosa News to reach Rodriguez on Tuesday were unsuccessful. The West Virginia coach did speak to several reporters in New York confirming the meeting, which included Rodriguez’ wife, Rita, as well as the head coach.

“We just discussed the facilities and what the nature of the situation was," Rodriguez told the Atlanta Journal-Consistution on Tuesday. “It was a very good meeting, but nothing really serious. We learned a lot about each other.

“I’ve got a good job," he said. “But I respect Coach Moore and I wanted to listen to what he had to say."

Moore was expected to discuss coaching options with officials, including UA President Robert Witt and members of the board of trustees, late Tuesday night or this morning.

Sources close to the search said Tuesday night that no job offer was extended during the meeting. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette indicated Tuesday that Rodriguez would give Alabama a “48-hour window" to make a possible offer to come to Alabama, but Moore told The Tuscaloosa News last week that there was “no timetable" for hiring a new coach.

The same sources confirmed on Tuesday that Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban remained as a prominent figure in the UA search at this time, despite public assurances from Dolphin owner Wayne Huizenga that he expected Saban to return to that team in 2007.

In addition to meeting with Rodriguez, Moore had other meetings in New York involving other candidates, sources told The News. The sources did not specify if those meetings were direct talks with other coaching candidates or with their agents, or both.

Moore’s plans for the rest of the week originally included a trip to Chicago and South Bend, Ind., where the Crimson Tide basketball team is scheduled to play Notre Dame on Thursday night. There was no immediate confirmation of whether those plans had changed after Tuesday’s meetings.

West Virginia University Athletics Director Ed Pastilong told the Charleston Daily Mail on Tuesday night that he and Moore had not spoken, although Moore had made an attempt to reach him.

“Mal Moore left a voice mail [to inform WVU he was interested in speaking to Rodriguez]," Pastilong said. “I called his office to confirm it was him who left the message, but I never got called back.

“That’s irrelevant now."

Pastilong said that he had remained in fairly steady contact with Rodriguez through the past three days,

“Rich and I have been speaking Sunday, Monday and today," he said. We plan on continuing our dialogue."

Pastilong added that the “open dialogue" with Alabama could include a raise for Rodriguez, although he was not specific in that regard.

When asked by the Daily Mail if he was “confident or worried" about Rodriguez remaining at WVU, Pastilong said “I’d probably be better off not answering that."

Rodriguez has a 49-24 record in six seasons at West Virginia. He signed a three-year contract extension with WVU last June and has six years left on his contract, which pays him about $1.1 million annually with the possibility of more than $400,000 in additional performance bonuses.

Saban is in his second season with the Dolphins. He received a contract worth more than $4 million per year upon leaving LSU in December 2004.

Attempts to contact Saban’s agent, Jimmy Sexton of Memphis, were not successful Tuesday.

(Reach Cecil Hurt at cecil.hurt@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0225.)

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Regardless of what happens, maybe this will be decided by the end of the week !

ROLL TIDE!!!