There is somewhat of a love/hate relationship between Lane Kiffin and the Crimson Tide faithful. His controversial rumors, abrupt departure, and trolling tendencies have caused much of the fan base to despise our former Offensive Coordinator. But I still fucking love Lane and always will.
Lane was the OC for the entirety of my tenure at the University of Alabama. The stories and rumors swirling campus turned him into enigmatic character. Like the girl who swore to me that she used to catch Lane sneaking out of the apartment across the hall. Or that night I swore I saw him in Gallete’s with sunglasses on in the corner of the bar. With all the question marks surrounding him, one thing was for sure- Lane was a brilliant offensive mind.
During his 2014-2016 stint at Alabama, The Tide outscored it’s opponents 1,625-680. We had three playoff appearances, won three SEC Championships, and one National Championship. Records were being broken left and right. Amari Cooper set the single season records for receiving yards and touchdowns. Derrick Henry still holds the single season records for rushing yards and touchdowns. And Blake Sims, a recruited running back, threw for 28 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.
Kiffin gave Alabama so many good memories. Most of them involving him and the Messiah.
Saban and Lane first really talked when Lane was still coaching in Tennessee. While at Alabama, Lane admitted to a secret mission of sneaking into Tuscaloosa to meet with Saban at his home. They spoke for three hours, answering questions on game management and coaching philosophies. Most likely under the infamous Joey Frehswater disguise.
From there, the two were notorious for their sideline spats.
Saban once famously commented on their frequent back and forths saying, “There were no arguments. Those are called ass-chewings.”
Saban and Lane often disagreed, opposition was rare in Coach Saban’s world. Most notably, the time he tried to prevent Lane’s fourth down play and got denied.
Alabama converted that fourth down. That was the most effective way to stay on Saban’s good side. Put your money where your mouth is, and deliver. Sometimes is was a bit flashy, sure. Like Lane throwing up touchdown signs at the snap of the ball. But as long as it was working you could avoid sideline pee pee whacks.
Despite their portrayed strained relationship, many believe the two had a relationship built on mutual respect and a passion for the game. But I believe it was more than that. I think they had a loving mentor symbiotic relationship. Saban defended Lane when the media had already declared him dead. He brought him back to life and even called him the best offensive coordinator he’s had since Jimbo Fisher.
I think Lane feels the same way. During his 2014 Broyle’s Award speech he was thanking Saban and quoted saying, “Coach Saban to me, really took a chance on me, when a lot of people wouldn’t do it. And has been phenomenal to me throughout the entire year. I got asked last night, like I do everywhere…..what is he saying when he’s going up and down the sidelines right here behind ya? I said he’s just saying ‘Hey Lane I love you so much. Thank you so much for coming here.’”
But there will be no love lost this weekend.
This Saturday, the prodigal son returns to Tuscaloosa for the first time since 2016. 12th ranked Ole Miss faces off against 1 Alabama at 3:30 p.m. in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
As if Lane’s return wasn’t enough drama, this game has so many implications. Both quarterbacks, Matt Corral and Bryce Young, are the clear cut favorites for Heisman at the moment. With the whole CFB world holding their breath, one viewer in particular could be at stake. Both Lane Kiffin and Nick Saban are openly recruiting Arch Manning. It recently went viral that Lane follows one person on Instagram, Arch. Then Saban went on the most recent ManningCast during TNF to express how much he would have loved to coach a Manning. Could both coaches be fighting for the chance to land the recruiting sensation with a Super Bowl pedigree?
This game is going to awesome. I love Lane, I really do. Unlike other Tide fans, I hope he returns when Saban retires in twenty years. But come Saturday, I want to kick his teeth in.
No comments:
Post a Comment