Nick Saban told media on Tuesday that he’s “suprised” by the reaction people are having to Lane Kiffin’s recent visit with the Alabama offensive coaching staff, saying such a visit is a completely normal part of the professional development process.
Saban’s players were also surprised, but not in the same way their coach was. Like everyone else, they didn’t expect to see Kiffin -- perhaps the worst head coach in recent college football history -- hanging around a successful program like Alabama.
Kiffin was fired five games into his fourth season with USC. He was 28-15 in his short time with the Trojans.
“There’s only a few people out there that you have an opportunity to do it with,” Saban said Tuesday. “Lane is a really good offensive coach and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.
“Just to come in and brainstorm a little bit, get some professional ideas with our guys, is a real positive thing, so I don’t know why there’s any reaction to it to be honest with you. I’m really quite surprised.”
Saban’s players were also surprised, but not in the same way their coach was. Like everyone else, they didn’t expect to see Kiffin -- perhaps the worst head coach in recent college football history -- hanging around a successful program like Alabama.
Alabama senior wide receiver Kevin Norwood said “everybody was shocked” when the offensive players arrived and saw Kiffin in the meeting room.
Kiffin was fired five games into his fourth season with USC. He was 28-15 in his short time with the Trojans.