After taking LSU to a national championship, an SEC championship, 48 wins and five bowls in five seasons, coach Nick Saban knew leaving the Tigers wouldn't be easy.

"It's the most self-gratifying experience I've had as a coach," Saban said. "But I've always been driven by challenges -- the next challenge that makes driven people want to take advantage of the next opportunity."

That next opportunity will come as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

"It's a tremendous challenge for me," Saban said after accepting the job on Christmas Day, "and a great opportunity for me and my family."

Ultimately, Saban's decision to leave LSU for the NFL came down to more than money, although the money won't hurt. Saban and the Dolphins have agreed to a five-year deal worth almost $5 million per year.

After leading LSU to the 2003 national championship, Saban was only in the first year of an $18.45 million, seven-year contract at LSU when the Dolphins made their offer on Dec. 22. At the time LSU athletic director Skip Bertman admitted there was little LSU could do to sweeten the pot and reiterated that Saban never asked for anything more, but Bertman knew LSU was in trouble when the Dolphins offered the one thing Saban wanted more than money: control over personnel and his coaching staff.

"We did everything we could," Bertman said.

"We brought in all kinds of people to talk to Nick, and we changed his mind several times, but quite honestly this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a football coach, with the control that he'll have and the ability to be able to handle football situations off the 100-yard playing field."

Saban will be difficult to replace, but Bertman has known about the Dolphins' opportunity long enough to put together a list of candidates. One possibility is former Cleveland Browns and University of Miami coach Butch Davis, who is currently unemployed, and current LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher.

Then again, LSU surprised the college football world when it hired Saban from Michigan State five years ago.

"We're not going to rule out anybody," Bertman said. "In a perfect world, announcing the next coach on Jan. 2 would be wonderful. But this is a 10- to 20-year decision. We want to be right. We don't want to be fast. I want to speak to each person eyeball-to-eyeball. This is a job that requires a fit. A coach here has to show the kind of leadership and characteristics that Nick showed."

While Bertman will now turn his attention toward finding a new coach, Saban will turn his immediate attention toward one last game with the Tigers, who will play Iowa in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando on New Year's Day.

"We're taking it in stride," LSU defensive end Melvin Oliver said. "He's got to do what's best for him and his family. We understand fully. The coach is dedicated, and this won't be a distraction."

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LSU Tigers Message Board
stupidaints Reputation:98 Level:Superstar Since:Apr 6, 2007	November 8, 2009 12:53 pm Score: 161 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: The Les Special Once again we are served a 2 loss season....difference this year is that there's no chance at a SEC championship or NC.  But we are gifted with a 2 loss season...for now.  Hopefully he doesn't coach us to a tank now that a mediocre bowl game is in store...you know 5 losses like last year.  You know I've gotten to the point that I don't blame Les or his staff for the loses, I mostly ...(more) Reply to this thread
KAPT_KANGAROO Reputation:89 Level:All-Star Since:Mar 12, 2009	November 7, 2009 7:26 pm Score: 142 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: How much will Miles be fined this week? Another blown call by SEC officials.  I'm trying not to get too bent out of shape from the missed INT call because I don't think Lee could move the ball down field. But really after the officials reviewed it for five minutes and it is clear as day that he was in bounds they still get it wrong. Unbelievable, and I think Miles will let his thoughts be known.  Oh well, looks like another Pe ...(more) Reply to this thread (7 replies)
lsufan1188 Reputation:96 Level:Superstar Since:Sep 18, 2006	November 7, 2009 10:10 pm Score: 163 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Look at the bright side This loss hurts me as much as anyone else out there, believe me, but think about all the positive things about this program right now: 1. If LSU is healthy, they can move the ball against any D in the country and play defense as well as any other team in the country. 2. Jordan Jefferson is the real deal. Before his injury tonight, he looked better than he has all year agai ...(more) Reply to this thread (8 replies)
BamaChil Reputation:91 Level:All-Star Since:Nov 17, 2008	November 3, 2009 2:47 pm Score: 119 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Russell from Survivor I still want Bama to beat the crap out of LSU, don't get me wrong, but I have to admit, this guy Russell on Survivor seems to be having a strange effect on me.  I don't even know if he's an LSU fan, but his crazy Louisiana accent and the way he plays the game are awesome.  He's my favorite Survivor player ever, and in this week of Bama vs. LSU hype, I find myself hating the Tigers m ...(more) Reply to this thread
HogfaninTexas Reputation:94 Level:All-Star Since:Nov 6, 2006	November 2, 2009 1:54 pm Score: 122 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Thanks A LOT LSU Tigers... For the fact that I start worrying about the Razorbacks game against the Tigers at the beginning of every season... lol. Even if it is the situation that it is right now, and Arkansas won the year before, I am fine until the next season starts... a win like that from the previous season doesn't mean that my team will win again, just because they did the year before. The reaso ...(more) Reply to this thread (11 replies)
ProudDad0507 Reputation:93 Level:All-Star Since:Jun 27, 2009	November 3, 2009 3:32 pm Score: 144 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Position breakdown of LSU v Bama Tell me what y'all think...Bama posters welcome as well as anyone else who visits. Quarterback- Bama does have a good QB in Greg McElroy who started the year off like a house afire.  He has since cooled down, but he generally makes good decisions.  More of a pocket passer.  LSU's ...(more) Reply to this thread (7 replies)
GeauxBeaux Reputation:45 Level:Rookie Since:Oct 11, 2009	November 7, 2009 7:47 pm Score: 128 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Why we lost... Please note (before you read the rest) that this isn't a bashing thread about the spineless leach Nick Saban or his team. In fact, this really isn't about them. It's more about why we as a team lost. 1. Questionable Coaching Decisions a) A 2 point conversion attemped that early in the game. Why Les? I know, it's your rival, you really want to win. I get that, ...(more) Reply to this thread (5 replies)
LSU7777 Reputation:79 Level:Pro Since:Aug 23, 2009	October 22, 2009 11:45 am Score: 133 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: 2007 Predictions of LSU's Downfall Post from January 2007!!!!!!!!  This guy hit the nail on the head.  LSU Fans Will Suffer Because of Gary Crowton Posted by Josh Harrison on January 18, 2007 at 12:54 amMy buddy ...(more) Reply to this thread (13 replies)
LSU7777 Reputation:79 Level:Pro Since:Aug 23, 2009	November 3, 2009 7:20 pm Score: 125 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: I'm really trying to like Miles!!!! I'm really trying to like Miles.  I didn't like it when he was hired and maybe I'm too stubborn to change my mind.  I hate some of his game management and would still like to know why RS sat the bench during the Florida Felons game.  When Miles has alot of time to prepare he does well.  However, I think he makes poor hiring decisions, except for Chavis, and I think the QB's cou ...(more) Reply to this thread (2 replies)
LSU7777 Reputation:79 Level:Pro Since:Aug 23, 2009	November 8, 2009 1:12 am Score: 72 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: great recruiting but poorly coached Someone please post a logical answer to why a senior WR is lined up with his hands up in the air begging for someone to tell him the play Reply to this thread (1 reply)
Bamafan Reputation:95 Level:Superstar Since:Aug 12, 2006	November 6, 2009 1:32 am Score: 81 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Here Kitty Kitty! Ok It is time for the talk to start. Bama will run roughshot over LSU and Mcgelroy will make enough plays to send LSU home scratching thier heads asking"Can we Beat Bama" Reply to this thread (6 replies)
jdobbsvhs14 Reputation:84 Level:All-Star Since:Nov 27, 2008	November 1, 2009 9:20 pm Score: 98 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: LSU @BAMA Lsu at Bama. This game can decide if we get a rematch against Florida. I think lsu will pull the upset. I think it will be close game but lsu comes out and wins 21-17. Our defense will slow down ingram and the rest of bama's offense. Our offense will benefit from some good field position from turnovers our defense will cause and I think scott and jj will have a great ga ...(more) Reply to this thread (14 replies)
Pruett07 Reputation:87 Level:All-Star Since:Feb 25, 2009	November 5, 2009 5:14 pm Score: 75 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Who wins? First of all let me start out by saying I am an Alabama homer. I hate LSU with a passion but respect the hell out of them.Please tell me honestly who you think will win and why. Reply to this thread
LSU7777 Reputation:79 Level:Pro Since:Aug 23, 2009	October 25, 2009 8:18 pm Score: 136 Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: Finally Decided To Utilize Some Of The Talent Well, they finally decided to actually use the weapons that they have and look what happens, amazing! They went to Holliday, LaFell, Tolliver, Dixon (finally), RS, Williams, and Randle.  Every fan that I know has been begging for this and they finally do it.  WOW.  From this game it seems that JJ biggest problem is he doesn't see the field.  It still looks like every play that ...(more) Reply to this thread (22 replies)
Deauxboy Reputation:98 Level:Superstar Since:Mar 7, 2008	September 6, 2009 2:27 am Score: 139 LSU vs Huskies breakdown Good game by the Huskies.  I would rather travel across the country and win a good game against a proud, hopeful team with a respectable tradition than lace some 1AA school at home. What I liked the most out of LSU: 1.  JJ played a solid game in his 3rd start - 175 yrds, 3 TDs, NO PICKS 2. Drake Nevis really stepped it up at DT - he ...(more) Reply to this thread (32 replies)
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