Alabama reportedly offered Nick Saban a contract extension on Friday. With Texas Longhorns coach Mack Brown expected to step down this week, the Crimson Tide are growing nervous Saban may bolt for Texas.
"Alabama coach Nick Saban has had a contract extension on his desk since Friday, and the longer it goes unsigned, the more uncomfortable Alabama officials grow, sources said," ESPN's Paul Finebaum wrote on Wednesday. "... With the reported imminent resignation of Mack Brown at Texas creating rumors concerning Saban and the Longhorns, however, university officials offered another extension."
Saban's name has been linked to the University of Texas for months, and the latest developments with the Longhorns make it more plausible.
Although multiple news outlets have been unable to confirm it, OrangeBloods.com reported on Tuesday that two "high-level sources" said long-time coach Mack Brown will resign by the end of the week.
"Mack Brown loves Texas and wants what's in the best interest of Texas and what's in the best interest of Mack Brown," one high-level source told OrangeBloods. "I don't think it's been an easy decision. But he doesn't want negativity around the program he helped unify."
Brown, who became the Longhorns coach in 1998, led the program to its first national title in 35 years in 2005. The team has struggled since, posting a 30-20 record in the last four seasons - the first time Texas has lost at least four games in four straight seasons, according to OrangeBloods.
The Associated Press reported in September that Texas Regent Tom Hicks approached Brown earlier in the month to gauge the coach's interest in possibly retiring before his contract expires in 2020; Brown wasn't interested. The report also indicated a discussion took place between a Longhorns official and Saban's agent, Jimmy Sexton.
Saban denied knowing anything about it and insisted he's too old to start over at a new school.
Texas president Bill Powers said last week he has never spoken with Saban. The Board of Regents is scheduled to meet on Thursday.
