Does Alabama Football Need to Be Worried?

Do the folks at Alabama need to be worried?

With the very first BCS crystal ball now secured in the Tide’s trophy case, wandering Nick has now climbed another mountain which means that ole’ travelin bug can’t be far behind.

I am sure many who live and die with the Crimson Tide will say: "awe, St. Nick will never leave almighty Alabama."  Those who chose to take this view are not well versed in the traveling travails of Ramblin Saban.

Yes, I know, Bama is Bama. But somehow the Tide doesn’t seem to carry the same mystique it once did when the "Bear" roamed the sideline. Maybe 17 years of mediocrity, sprinkled with probations and scandals, will do that to a program.

Regardless, Nick Saban is more about program building and money counting, than dynasty making. Once he reaches a peak, his ears perk up and his eyes begin roaming.

There is always another peak to climb funded by someone with deeper pockets looking to provide ever more and more climbing money.

And one thing is for absolute certain; you cannot believe a word Nick Saban says when it comes to his career status (especially its future).

Just ask the good folks down in Baton Rouge. One year removed from a BCS championship with the Tigers he did everything but raise his right hand, with his left on a Bible, in assuring the LSU faithful that he was there for the long haul.

Before you could say South Beach he was headed for the Dolphins.

This is not to say Saban will pull up roots in Tuscaloosa anytime soon. He may want to one-up his LSU achievement and shoot for two BCS trophies while at Alabama.

But as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, once he gets that feeling that {my job is done here" wild horses will be easier to keep at bay.

There will always be perceived greener pastures in college and pro football and there will always be A.D.s and NFL owners looking to lure "hot" coaches with ever more ridiculous contracts.

Just ask Pete Carroll.

Wade Phillips seems to be ok for now, but who knows when Jerry Jones may choose to pull the trigger on his Cowboys head coach.

Jones and Saban!?! With the right understanding and a hefty eight digit annual salary it could be a marriage made in Big D heaven.

As I said Nick Saban is always in tune with the next lucrative challenge.

As for the faithful in Tuscaloosa, with regard to Coach Saban, it may be wise to soak up the short-term successes he brings because his long-term State of Alabama residency is quite far from a sure thing.