Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban could be on his way back to the NFL to join the New York Giants next season, according to NBC Sports reporter Mike Florio.
Saban has been reportedly unhappy in Tuscaloosa, and he may be eyeing a way back into the NFL. Saban didn't stay in the NFL long last time, with only two seasons as Dolphins head coach, posting a 15-17 record.
Saban claims that if the Dolphins had signed Drew Brees, as he wanted them too, the story would be much different today, according to Florio.
"If we'd had Drew Brees, I might still be in Miami," Saban said.
The Giants have tried to sign Saban before. Back in 1996 the Giants tried to hire Saban before hiring Jim Fassel, according to Florio. "We offered him the job," said Giants owner John Mara, via NBC Sports.
The appeal of the Giants is two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Eli Manning. Saban would likely only return to a NFL team with a franchise quarterback, and Manning could fit that role. The Giants have great talent on the offensive side of the ball between Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz, as well as newly drafted offensive linemen like Justin Pugh and Ereck Flowers.
The problem for the Giants is their defense, which was ranked 29th in yards per game last season. The Giants have the blueprint for a great offense, but their defense looks like it's in need of work.
Saban has consistently had Alabama's defense at the top in college football. Last season the Crimson Tide was fourth in terms of points allowed per game in FBS (Division I-A). Saban likely would build his own defense in New York, and have a franchise quarterback like he desired while down in Miami.
The New York Giants have gone 13-19 the past two seasons with Tom Coughlin, but he has coached them to two Super Bowls. In New York City, it's what have you done lately, and for Coughlin and the Giants it has been too long. The last time Coughlin was on the hot seat he delivered a Super Bowl in 2011, and anything short of a playoff birth may cost him his job.
Saban is likely to leave Alabama soon as he doesn't like to stay in one place too long, and the Giants and Manning may seem like an appealing way to get back into the league.
