Saban rejects Alabama's offer of 10 years, $50 million plus $7 million bonusBy ARMANDO SALGUERO
asalguero@MiamiHerald.com
Dolphins coach Nick Saban has declined a lucrative contract from the University of Alabama, which offered him a pay hike and a signing bonus to leave Miami and become the Crimson Tide's head football coach.
The preliminary offer from Alabama athletic director Mal Moore included a $5 million a year salary for seven years with three option years included. There would also be a signing bonus of $7 million.
After practice, Saban confirmed that Alabama had approached his agent, Jimmy Sexton, who said thanks but no thanks. Saban also said he never interviewed or spoke directly with Alabama officials.
Saban told his players Thursday morning he is not leaving. The coach also told owner Wayne Huizenga on Sunday he was not interested in Alabama.
Saban signed a five-year contract with the Dolphins in January 2005 that averages $4.5 million per year.