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.
