MIAMI, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Miami Dolphins Coach Nick Saban has resigned and will take over the football program of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Media in Miami and Birmingham, Ala., said Saban informed Dolphins owners Wayne Huizenga on Wednesday that he was returning to the college ranks. Saban coached the Dolphins for two seasons, compiling a 15-17 record.
Reports earlier said Alabama had offered Saban a seven-year contract worth some $40 million.
Saban joined the Dolphins after five seasons with the Louisiana State Tigers. In 2003, he guided the Tigers to a 13-1 record and won the Bowl Championship Series national title game in the Sugar Bowl. He also coached at Toledo and Michigan State and has an overall collegiate coaching record of 91-42-1.
He takes over an Alabama team coming off a 6-7 record that includes three losses to end the regular season. The Crimson Tide was invited to a bowl game but lost to Oklahoma State 34-31 in the Independence Bowl.
Alabama Coach Mike Shula was fired Nov. 26. The Crimson Tide was 26-23 under Shula.
