A jaw-dropping revelation in Paul Finebaum’s book, My Conference Can Beat Your Conference: Why the SEC Still Rules College Football, has reignited discussions about Nick Saban’s unparalleled value in college football. The book, co-authored with ESPN’s Gene Wojciechowski, claims that the University of Texas was prepared to offer the legendary Alabama coach a staggering $100 million contract to leave Tuscaloosa for Austin.
According to the book, Texas boosters devised an ambitious financial package in their quest to secure Saban’s services. The proposed deal included a signing bonus of $12–15 million, along with a salary package exceeding $100 million. AL.com, which obtained an advanced copy of the book, reported that the Longhorns were “dead serious about trying to money-whip Saban.”
The speculation surrounding Saban’s potential move to Texas became one of the hottest topics in college sports in 2014. The Longhorns, seeking a revival of their football dominance, saw Saban as the ideal candidate to transform their program. However, these aspirations came to an abrupt halt when Saban signed a lucrative contract extension with Alabama.
The extension, approved by the University of Alabama’s board of trustees in June 2014, secured Saban’s commitment to the Crimson Tide through 2022. The deal ensured an annual salary of $6.9 million, further cementing Saban’s legacy in Tuscaloosa.
In the same year, Texas shifted its focus and hired former Louisville coach Charlie Strong, offering him a five-year contract worth over $25 million. While Strong’s tenure at Texas was met with mixed results, the Longhorns’ bold attempt to lure Saban remains a testament to his unparalleled reputation in college football.
Saban’s accomplishments at Alabama speak volumes about why he was such a coveted figure. Over 17 seasons with the Crimson Tide, Saban secured six national championships and developed a dynasty that defined college football excellence. His legacy also includes mentoring numerous NFL-bound players and fostering a winning culture that transcended the sport.
Finebaum’s book offers a fascinating glimpse into the business side of college football, highlighting the lengths programs will go to secure top-tier coaching talent. While Texas’ pursuit of Saban ultimately fell short, the story underscores the immense value elite coaches bring to programs seeking greatness.
For fans of college football, this revelation is a reminder of the high stakes and fierce competition that define the sport.
