Both of the coaches who have led their team to Monday’s college football national championship game have been linked to NFL rumors. Both of them attempted today to downplay any interest in leaving college for the pros.
Alabama’s Nick Saban, who claimed while he was the Dolphins’ head coach that he wouldn’t leave for Alabama right up until he left for Alabama, is now saying that he doesn’t believe he has anything he needs to accomplish in the NFL.
“I don’t have any unfinished business in the NFL,” Saban said. “It’s not something I’m concerned about. It’s not even anything I want to do.”
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said he has given no thought to coaching anywhere other than South Bend.
“Leaving is not an option. I don’t even think about it,” Kelly said.
It’s hard to take coaches at their word at this time of year, and it’s particularly hard to take Saban at his word given his track record. But if Saban or Kelly have any interest in leaving, they’re not letting on.