Report: Mike Norvell Was 'Close' to Taking Alabama Job; Lane Kiffin Was Eyed by FSU

Nick Saban's retirement nearly put three high-profile programs into a state of chaos.

Chris Low of ESPN reported Florida State coach Mike Norvell was "close" to accepting the Alabama job in the hours after Saban's retirement before ultimately returning to Tallahassee on an eight-year contract. Had Norvell taken the Alabama job, Florida State was reportedly prepared to make a run at Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin.

Instead, Norvell and Kiffin stayed put, with Kalen DeBoer moving from Washington to Alabama and former Arizona coach Jedd Fisch replacing DeBoer with the Huskies. While those moves still made waves across college football, it's nothing compared to the tidal wave that nearly transpired.

Given the fact Alabama pegged DeBoer as Saban's successor just two days after his retirement, it's fair to say the environment was nothing short of chaotic. Florida State worked feverishly to keep Norvell, who led the Seminoles to an undefeated regular season in 2023.

"You respect the place. You respect the position," Norvell said of Alabama. "At the end of the day, it still comes down to the right fit. It still comes down to the place you want to be."

Meanwhile, Ole Miss sat wringing its hands over the thought of losing Kiffin. The Rebels won 11 games for the first time in program history in 2023 but are facing a difficult future in a fully loaded SEC. Kiffin could have easily bolted to much easier pastures in the ACC while taking a more prestigious job.

Kiffin had spent three years working under Saban from 2014 to 2016 while rebuilding his coaching reputation after a frustrating stint at USC. Some believed he could be a successor to Saban, but Low reported he was not given serious consideration.

DeBoer was arguably the least-known coach in the mix in terms of national profile. His only Power Five job before landing at Washington was a one-year stint as Indiana's offensive coordinator in 2019. He parlayed a two-year stint and some fortuitous transfers—most notably quarterback Michael Penix Jr.—into arguably the biggest job in all of college football.

We'll have to see whether he's able to fill Saban's massive shoes or if Alabama regrets not making a harder push at the more accomplished Norvell.