The NFL will come calling for Nick Saban in the offseason. Alabama football shouldn't be concerned when it does ... they have the perfect replacement in Lane Kiffin.
The Crimson Tide offensive coordinator -- though excited about another season of running the offense in Tuscaloosa -- is ready to take charge of another program.
College Football Programs Lane Kiffin Should Want To Coach
"When and if that time comes, I know I'm much better prepared than I was before," Kiffin said, per USA Today. "Sometimes when you're young you try maybe too much to be Pete Carroll because you came from him.
"I think eventually you have to figure out yourself and say, 'Ok, this is what I take from here, here and here.'"
Nick Saban Is Comfortable With Lane Kiffin
Saban has been linked with multiple NFL jobs -- chief among them the Colts -- opening the door for Kiffin.
After taking over for Doug Nussmeier in 2014, the Crimson Tide jumped from 33rd in total offense to 18th. Despite having another first-year starting QB (Jake Coker), Alabama scored 27 or more points in 12 of its 13 games this season.
It also had its first Heisman Trophy winner (Derrick Henry) since Mark Ingram in 2009.
With two years under his belt, Kiffin has an understanding of both his surroundings and players.
"I've been studying the things I need to study, and I feel comfortable with the calls that coach [Lane] Kiffin makes," Coker said of Kiffin following a 38-10 victory over Georgia in October, per Dothan Eagle.
For the first time in his coaching tenure, someone feels comfortable with Kiffin.
As shocking as Saban's departure would be, he would serve as the seamless transition the top program in the nation requires.
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