What if...

[RealtorHorn]

...assuming (from what I've read) Patterson's relationship with Saban is much stronger than that of Luck-Saban... what if, after Patterson dominated the interviews, he was told the job was his yesterday?

Then, I imagine he would have told Saban (again, the close relationship)... and then a smoke screen/spin session was created to throw the wolf off the scent in order for Saban to feel more comfortable (after all, he still has a MNC run on his hands), which is why we are hearing that "Saban is off the table".

Thoughts?

 

[betogonzalez]

Very possible.....didn't Saban say he was NOT leaving the Dolphins for Alabama way back when, and left anyway. Too much time remains between now and when change in coach takes place.

 

[Lord Vader]

That is an interesting premise. For sure, what is the relationship between Saban and Patterson?

Does Patterson have a strong relationship with any NFL types who could be candidates?

 

[RealtorHorn]

Very possible.....didn't Saban say he was NOT leaving the Dolphins for Alabama way back when, and left anyway. Too much time remains between now and when change in coach takes place.

I agree on the timing...essentially over 60 days! I think this is why folks are rooting for LSU this weekend. I digress.

Saban publicly said he was not leaving the Dolphins and even mentioned on 60 minutes that he regrets saying that. I don't think he does that again, so if we truly hear from Saban's mouth "I am not leaving Alabama" he means it. However, if we don't hear a definitive statement like that, and, instead hear things like "I'm too old to take on another job" or "I'm happy where I am" it could be in Texas' best interest.

The time factor could be a good thing: the longer we go without hearing "I am not leaving Alabama/not taking the Texas job" the better, if you like "Saban to Texas".

 

[theknighttrain]

Yes, someone please help me with the Patterson/Saban connection? Hunting buddies or somesuch?

 

[LongviewLobo01]

According to some insiders, they are hunting buddies, but I've never seen it confirmed.

And you'd think Patterson would have NFL ties considering he was one of the driving forces with McNair when it came to getting Houston the Texans and then bringing the Super Bowl to Houston. And he helped set up a major part of the Texans organization.

 

[Black Scholes]

If it is Patterson, Saban has nothing to do with the hire. It would be a hire blessed by Dodds. That's kind of all I need to know.

Patterson is extremely qualified, but I want the guy Dodds and Mack aren't comfortable with.

 

[Lord Vader]

Yep. Sounds like the status quo continues....

 

[Massiah]

If it helps with Saban and moves Mack out, I'm all for it.

 

[RealtorHorn]

If it is Patterson, Saban has nothing to do with the hire. It would be a hire blessed by Dodds. That's kind of all I need to know.
Patterson is extremely qualified, but I want the guy Dodds and Mack aren't comfortable with.

I don't think Saban has anything to do "with the hire" of Patterson; I think Patterson has something to do with the potential hire of Saban.

And I have more faith in Dodds than for him to put his blessing on a failure. Mack, I could see why he would want someone like Muschamp to come back and take his place, Mack's legacy would not be overshadowed. But Dodds is in a different position. He knows what he has done for UT and he's been here much longer than Mack.

Plus, I don't think Mack and DeLoss were in the interview/meeting with Patterson. I would be very surprised if they were.

 

[Black Scholes]

Chip Brown - i.e. Chris Plonsky - couldn't wait to run with the rumor. Done right that kind of thing can help momentum to get the outcome you want. I'm not comfortable with where we are this morning given that.

 

[RealtorHorn]

Chip Brown - i.e. Chris Plonsky - couldn't wait to run with the rumor. Done right that kind of thing can help momentum to get the outcome you want. I'm not comfortable with where we are this morning given that.

I'm following you but can you expand on your thoughts here?