Saban: Leaving LSU for NFL was 'biggest mistake that I ever made'

Nick Saban has some regrets about his decision in 2004 to leave LSU to become head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

On the latest episode of "The Pivot Podcast," Saban explained how the two seasons he spent coaching in the NFL made him realize that he preferred the college ranks.

"When I left LSU, that was probably, professionally, the biggest mistake that I ever made," he said. "Not because we didn't have success in Miami, 'cause I enjoyed coaching in Miami. But I found out in that experience that I like coaching in college better 'cause you could develop players personally, academically, athletically, and all that a little more than in pro ball."

Saban also shared a conversation he had with his agent, Jimmy Sexton, while deciding whether to leave LSU.

"Jimmy Sexton stood on a balcony when I was getting ready to leave LSU and make a decision about whether I went to Miami or stayed at LSU," Saban said. "And he said, 'What do you want your legacy to be as a coach? Do you want to be Vince Lombardi or do you want to be Bear Bryant?'

"And without hesitation, I said, 'Bear Bryant.' And he said, 'What are you doing going to Miami then?' ... I went anyway."

Saban was head coach at LSU from 2000-04, compiling a 48-16 record and leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2003. He returned to the college level in 2007 with Alabama and went on to win another six national titles before retiring in 2024.