Former Alabama HC Nick Saban admits he wouldn’t have become the head coach of the Crimson Tide if he could do it all over again

It’s hard to argue that the two greatest coaches in the history of college football aren’t from the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The great Bear Bryant and Nick Saban made the University of Alabama what it is today.

But if not for one of the biggest regrets of his coaching career, Nick Saban would have never put on the Crimson & White…

Nick Saban regrets leaving LSU Tigers for Miami Dolphins

“When I left LSU, that was probably the biggest mistake that I ever made, not because we didn’t have success in Miami,” Saban told the Pivot Podcast. “I enjoyed coaching in Miami. I found out in that experience that I like coaching college better because you can develop players personally, academically, athletically and all that a little more than pro ball…

“…Jimmy Sexton [Saban’s agent] stood on a balcony when I was at LSU making a decision about whether to go to Miami or stay at LSU. He said, ‘What do you want your legacy to be as a coach? Do you want to be Vince Lombardi or Bear Bryant?’ Without hesitation, I said, ‘Bear Bryant.’ … I went anyway.”

It’s a stunning admission from Saban, who won seven total national championships before retiring last year, including one at LSU and six at the University of Alabama. One could argue that if Saban had been allowed to sign Drew Brees despite his failed physical, his pro career with the Miami Dolphins would have looked very different.

But Saban realized his calling and high-tailed it to Tuscaloosa.

Yet, if he stayed put at what would become his bitter rival for years in the SEC, the Alabama dynasty that rivals some of the best in sports never happens, and the team is likely still searching for their successor to Bear Bryant.

It’s true, you learn something new every day.