Nick Saban’s blunt warning about Lane Kiffin revealed in new book
· Yahoo Sports
Nick Saban’s relationship with Lane Kiffin is back in the spotlight after a new book revealed a blunt warning the former Alabama coach reportedly gave one of his staffers about Kiffin.
Visit afsport.lat for more information.
In John Talty’s new book, Lane Being Lane, a former Alabama coach recalls Saban telling a staff member to keep Kiffin away from college-aged women during his time as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator.
What did Nick Saban reportedly say about Lane Kiffin?
Kiffin joined Alabama’s staff in January 2014, four months after USC fired him. He spent three seasons as Saban’s offensive coordinator, helping transform the Crimson Tide’s offense.
But according to Talty’s book, Kiffin’s off-field behavior became an increasing concern.
“You’ve got to keep Lane away from the girls that are in college,” Saban reportedly said, according to the former coach. “Just keep him away from the sorority girls. Make sure they’ve graduated college or are working a job.”
At the time, Kiffin was separated from his wife and their three children. His family did not move to Tuscaloosa, and the book describes Kiffin frequently going out to local bars and pursuing women.
Did Nick Saban fire Lane Kiffin over an affair?
Rumors circulated during Kiffin’s Alabama tenure that he had been involved in an affair.
Talty’s book makes clear, however, that Kiffin was not fired because of an affair, and the rumors were never verified.
Instead, the book portrays Kiffin’s eventual split with Alabama as the culmination of broader tensions, both on and off the field.
Kiffin accepted the head-coaching job at Florida Atlantic while Alabama was preparing for the College Football Playoff championship game against Clemson.
The timing created another source of friction between Kiffin and Saban.
The two sides publicly described the decision as mutual.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Nick Saban’s blunt warning about Lane Kiffin revealed in new book