Nov 9, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban celebrates as he leaves the field following their 38-17 victory over the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking of Alabama, Nick Saban has been rumored to be the primary target of UT, and there’s growing belief there’s smoke to this fire:
A lot of coaches I spoke w last week and this week felt this was a done deal several weeks ago.
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) December 10, 2013
There is real belief within the profession that Saban will happen. Absolutely fascinating times.
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) December 10, 2013
Whatever happens, this will have an effect on the Kentucky Wildcats. With Neal Browns having coached at Texas Tech, there are recruits that UK is competing with UT for, and the biggest of which is 2014 QB Jarrett Stidham, who plays at Stephenville High School in Texas, but has roots in Kentucky.
The wildcats are believed to be among the top schools Stidham is strongly considering, and who the next coach is at UT could have a significant impact on his recruitment.