As Nick Saban continued to answer questions about his non-move to Texas and his new $7 million-a-year deal at Alabama, it's another coach's visit to Tuscaloosa that has sparked interest.

Former Southern California and Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, a onetime rival, has been visiting with Tide coaches this week in Tuscaloosa.

It's a common practice for Alabama — even Oklahoma's staff has come to town — and Saban said he's not sure why that would cause any stir.

"Lane is a really good offensive coach, and I've always had a tremendous amount of respect for him," Saban said. "Just to come in and brainstorm a little bit just some professional ideas with our guys, I think, is a real positive thing. And I don't know why there's any reaction to it. I'm really quite surprised."

In 2009, Saban's Crimson Tide squad narrowly escaped defeat at the hands of Lane Kiffin and Tennessee. Alabama's Terrence Cody blocked a 44-yard field-goal attempt on the final play as Alabama held on for a 12-10 victory over the rival Volunteers.

This article contains information from the Associated Press.

Keep Reading

Tony Barnhart speaks into the microphone during a broadcast of his and Wes Durham's radio show in the 790/The Zone studios in Buckhead. Barnhart, a journalist for more than four decades, announced Thursday that he will retire after this upcoming football season. (AJC 2010)

Credit: Special

Featured

A new poll from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution explored what Georgians thought about the first 100 days in office of President Donald Trump’s second term. Photo illustration by Philip Robibero/AJC

Credit: Philip Robibero/AJC