Nick Saban, Mama’s Calling…

West By God Virginia posted yesterday that Saban's agent has contacted WVU. And it has been supported by other media sources, including WVSports.com [link].

I'm a chaos monger, but this is ridiculous. I believe Saban may be unhappy at Alabama, but he is not going to leave this year. He has things going in the right direction with the Crimson Tide and while I doubt he sticks in for the long haul, he will turn that program around and whomever succeeds him will reap the benefits (like Nutt will do at Ole Miss with the O's good recruits). Petrino may have outdone Saban with what he did last week, so why would Saban want to move back into the "Biggest Asshole in football" position? Is he that arrogant that he wants that title back? I'm joking of course. But there are a lot of rumors coming out of Tuscaloosa that could add to his flight status.

Rumors

1. There is a Preliminary Letter of Intent coming from the NCAA: This hit speed in early November after Mal Moore's trip to Indy where apparently he was told about the following: Alabama reported a bunch of secondary violations this summer, and there are even more to report the next time around (Saban talking to recruits in the dead time, working out prospects illegally in GA, and apparently being turned in for violations in 6 states) and the textbook scandal. And one of the violations already reported also happened before the end of Alabama's probation, which could be a big issue. They are all secondary violations, but with them piling up like this the NCAA could use the dreaded "lack of institutional control" especially if they really are "out to get Alabama". Chances of this being true and making Saban leave - 25%?
   
2. Terry Saban hates it in Tuscaloosa and has been in catfights with high society ladies there: Any credence to this? I have no idea, there are only grumblings on message boards. But Tuscaloosa Alabama is not the nicest place in the world. Chances of being true and making Saban leave - 15% but we all know, "If Mama Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy"
   
3. Saban is not happy in Tuscaloosa: He has been more hated on now than he has at any other place. He has been torched for everything he says (911, USF cheats, coonass) by the national media who is not "out to get Alabama". Struggling through his first year was not well received by the Tide faithful, he has had trouble with several players, he has to face a dominant team within the state, and he just does not look happy at all in his press conferences (go back and look at some of the pressers from LSU). He may think he made another mistake (Dolphins) and be willing to make another publicity one by leaving the Capstone. We can all see how draining the fans can be at Alabama. Chance of this being true and making Saban leave – 30%
   
4. Saban is from West Virginia: Oh wait that's not a rumor, that's fact. But he didn't play there, he played at Kent State. Chance of this being a factor – 20%?
   

Mama may be calling…

UPDATE #1: West Virginia Sports has reported that the Governor has denied that Saban's agent has contacted WVU. He is a friend of Saban's, but why is he going on sportsradio denying rumors? The state of West Virginia must be in such good shape that it can run itself. There have been no denials by Saban or Sexton, but he doesn't have to deny it, no national news service will touch it with a ten foot pole.