Saban: Most rumors about assistants leaving are GARBAGE

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Before a single question was asked Thursday night, Saban took firm hold of the press conference, confronting many of the rumors. He declared most of the sourced information as "invalid."

Kirby Smart to Florida? Sal Sunseri to Pittsburgh? Bo Davis to Florida? Jim McElwain to Texas?

So far, none of those reports has panned out.

Every coach rumored to be a target for another job was at the Crimson Tide's first practice Thursday to prepare for the Capital One Bowl against Michigan State Jan. 1 in Orlando.

Saban expressed frustration with several reports concerning potential coaching moves. Those stories also referenced attempts to reach Saban, though an Alabama spokesman said none were made.

"A source close to the situation said something that is totally invalid," Saban said in mocking the reports. "Furthermore, they say 'nobody was available for comment' when nobody tried to get a comment. Nobody called. Nobody asked. Nobody said, 'Are you available?' Coach Saban wasn't available for comment? Nobody called or asked. How do you know I wasn't available? What is 'a source close'? When you ask me a question, I can't wait to answer one like that. I'll say, 'A source close said.'"

Two stories Saban confirmed were true involved McElwain's interview for the Colorado head coaching vacancy, and Curt Cignetti's interview for the same post at Kent State.

A Kent State spokesman said Thursday via e-mail the search is down to three finalists, but it is unknown if Cignetti is a finalist.

One of the hottest stories this week spawned from a one-source account stating Smart, Saban's defensive coordinator, was offered the same job by good friend and new Florida coach Will Muschamp.

In his introductory press conference, Muschamp shot down the report, saying no one has been offered a job.

Saban, who employed both men at LSU, said he has spoken to Muschamp on several occasions.

"Kirby has done nothing but indicate to me that he wants to stay at the University of Alabama and be here," Saban said. "I trust that's what he'll do. He's done a great job for us. He's one of the best assistant coaches in the country. Every year, he's closer and closer to being ready to be a head coach himself."

Smart is believed to be in position to contend for head coaching jobs at Alabama and Georgia, his alma mater, should those jobs open. Last year, Smart turned down an offer to become the defensive coordinator at Georgia.

"Our guys are pretty good and pretty loyal," Saban said. "If anybody talks to them, they immediately let me know."

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