Nick Saban, one of the most iconic figures in college football history, recently opened up about his decision to leave LSU for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins in 2005, calling it the “worst career error” of his illustrious journey. Speaking candidly during an interview, Saban reflected on the success he built in Baton Rouge and how walking away from it remains one of his biggest regrets.
“I’ll always cherish my time at LSU,” Saban said. “We had something really special there. Looking back, I think leaving was the worst career mistake I’ve ever made.”
During his tenure at LSU (2000–2004), Saban turned the Tigers into a powerhouse, capturing the 2003 BCS National Championship and elevating the program to national prominence. His ability to recruit top-tier talent and instill a winning culture laid the foundation for the sustained success LSU has enjoyed ever since.
However, the allure of the NFL proved too tempting to resist. Saban accepted the head coaching position with the Dolphins, believing the transition to professional football was the next logical step in his career. The move, however, didn’t pan out as he had hoped. Over two seasons (2005–2006), the Dolphins struggled to find success, and Saban eventually returned to college football to take over at Alabama.
“I learned a lot in the NFL, but leaving LSU was tough. It wasn’t just about the football program—it was the relationships, the community, and the potential we still had to achieve even more,” Saban explained.
While Saban’s legacy has since been cemented at Alabama with multiple national championships, his comments reveal a lingering appreciation for what might have been had he stayed at LSU. The Tigers’ fans often wonder how many more titles Saban could have brought to Baton Rouge, but for the legendary coach, the decision remains a bittersweet chapter in an otherwise remarkable career.
