Alabama's Saban aims to help Kiffin land another head job

Posted December 03, 2016 6:00 am

By JOHN ZENOR

ATLANTA (AP) - Alabama coach Nick Saban wants to help offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin get another head coaching job.

College football's odd coaching couple led the top-ranked Crimson Tide to their third straight Southeastern Conference championship Saturday with a 54-16 win over No. 15 Florida. They're a lock to make it 3 for 3 in getting to the playoffs when the matchups are announced on Sunday.

Kiffin has thrived in his role with the Tide, but the former USC, Tennessee and Oakland Raiders head coach is frequently mentioned for other jobs. His name has come up as a potential candidate for the openings at Oregon and Houston and for the offensive coordinator position at LSU under former USC colleague Ed Orgeron.

"We've had conversations about it," Saban said. "He wants to be a head coach. I want him to be a head coach. I want to help him get a head coaching job.

"The rest of it, we have not discussed, and I don't think it's the right time."

The coach added that time could come in the next couple of weeks.

For his part, Kiffin wanted to savor the moment instead of talking about his future. He remained by himself while the team surged onto the field in celebration, strolling around and briefly chatting with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and others.

"I don't want to talk about it right now," Kiffin said when asked about his future. "I just want to enjoy winning another SEC championship."

Asked if he'd be with the Tide through the playoffs, he chuckled: "I hope so. If they'll let me."

Kiffin helped the Tide win the national championship last season.

He's worked with three different starting quarterbacks during his tenure, including freshman Jalen Hurts this season and guided Alabama's transition into a more up tempo style offense.

Kiffin received a new deal in September paying him $1.4 million this year, extending through February 2017.

That doubled his salary under a three-year deal running through this season. He had been receiving a buyout from USC.

Kiffin had mixed results as a head coach at Tennessee and USC, and was fired during his second season with the Raiders.

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More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org

Alabama head coach Nick Saban, left, talks with Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, right, during practice for the Southeastern Conference Championship NCAA college football game where they will play Florida, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) The Associated Press

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