Saban says he's not interested in going to Alabama

DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban says he has no interest in the Alabama job that became vacant Monday when Mike Shula was fired.

There had been speculation about the Crimson Tide pursuing Saban, a coach at Southeastern Conference rival Louisiana State before joining the Dolphins last year.

Saban said he hasn't been contacted by Alabama and doesn't want to be.

"I've got a job to do here," he said. "My focus is our players, this team, us getting better, us playing good, winning football. I'm not interested in any other circumstances or situations anyplace else."

Saban said it was flattering to be the subject of such speculation.

"This has been the case for years," he said. "When I was in college it was always about coming to the pros. This is the challenge I wanted. I had a good college job. Why would I have left that if I was going to be interested in other college jobs?

"I took this as a challenge. We certainly haven't seen this through and gotten where we want to go and finished the job here, so why would I be interested in something else?"

Saban is 14-13 in two seasons with Miami, including 5-6 this year. The Dolphins have won their past four games.

Shula, son of former Dolphins coach Don Shula, was fired after four seasons at Alabama. He went 6-6 this year.

"Mike Shula is a good guy. He's a friend," Saban said. "I think he has done a good job there and should have been given an opportunity to stay there."