Nick Saban is the highest paid coach in college football. You think he's feeling some pressure -- "special pressure" -- to win a national championship? You bet he is. Alabama is going to squeeze every single penny out of their $5,545,852 annual investment.
So far, so good. Saban has led the Crimson Tide to three national titles since 2009. But is it enough? Winning heightens expectations. When you win, it's sweet, but when you're expected to win and you lose, it's extra bitter. Which brings us to the point: Why would the highest paid coach in college football, winner of three national titles in four years, consider leaving the highest ranked team in the country?
Pressure ... special pressure. Just what exactly does that mean? Texas officials didn't say. Saban's agent Jimmy Sexton would comment either. But College Football analyst Pat Forde shared his best guess today:
The "special pressure" phrase deserves some attention. There certainly is plenty of pressure at Texas – but the Alabama job has a suffocating, all-consuming element unlike any other … The investment by the fan base elevates the program – they demand success, to the point of willing it to happen. But what's good for a program can also be bad for the man at the center of the intensity. The Alabama football coach must be a tireless genius, an approachable dictator, and willing to devote nearly every waking moment to the cause of further gridiron glory. Because how many titles are ever enough? That's the expectation, and for it you get paid like a sultan and worshiped like a religious leader. But it has to be exhausting to be Nick Saban.
Listen to today's QuickCast on the Saban debate here:
Is Saban serious about leaving Alabama? If so, what does that mean for Mack Brown? What will happen at Alabama? Saban's decision to stay or go (if offered a job) leads to a whole series of question marks. Post your comments below or join the discussion on Twitter at #NickSaban.
Nick Saban on 60 Minutes:
Nick Saban on ESPN: