Associated Press
12/24/2004 DAVIE, Fla. (AP) - A plane owned by Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga landed Friday in Baton Rouge, La. - perhaps to bring LSU coach Nick Saban to the NFL. Saban, who received an offer Wednesday by the Dolphins, met with athletic director Skip Bertman at school offices. At his home Thursday night, Saban spoke with his agent, Jimmy Sexton. Saban previously said he'd prefer to resolve the situation by Christmas Day, when Louisiana State travels to Orlando for its Jan. 1 bowl game against Iowa. Saban has been approached previously by at least five NFL teams, including a year ago by Atlanta and Chicago, but the Dolphins' job has special appeal despite the team's 3-11 record. This is Miami's first losing season since 1988, and owner Wayne Huizenga has offered Saban full authority over the football operation. ''He feels this organization and this owner may not happen again,'' Bertman said Thursday. ''He knows he can go to the NFL any time he wants, but he feels like if he turns down this chance, it may not come around again with this team and this owner.'' So why the hesitation to take the job? ''Because LSU is a great opportunity, and there's no reason to give it up,'' Bertman said. ''He knows there are risks in the NFL. There's the salary cap, there's a different kind of player. And he won't be able to teach, which he really likes. He won't be able to touch lives like he does here.'' Bertman dismissed reports that LSU made Saban a counteroffer. Saban already is the highest-paid coach in college football and in the first year of an $18.45 million US, seven-year deal, but the Dolphins' offer is believed to exceed $4 million per year. _______________________________________________ RTF mailing list RTF@rolltidefan.net http://rolltidefan.net/mailman/listinfo/rtf_rolltidefan.net
