Alabama Coach Nick Saban says he’s not motivated by NFL job openings

Alabama Coach Nick Saban won his fifth college football national championship on Monday. Since then, as usual, the focus has been on his future, specifically in the NFL.

There are head coaching opportunities available with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans and few coaches as hot a commodity as Saban.

It’s been nine years since he coached at the professional level, though some might argue his program is a bit professional given the 44 players who have been drafted into the NFL since 2010. In that span he’s won four national titles and guided Alabama to a record of 105-18. He won his first title in 2003 at LSU.

But Saban’s last stint in the pros didn’t have the happiest of endings. He was 15-17 in two seasons as the Miami Dolphins head coach in 2005 and 2006. At the time, he was rumored to be heavily pursued by Alabama, a claim he denied.

“I guess I have to say it: I’m not going to be the Alabama coach,” Saban infamously said before bolting for the Crimson Tide.

On Tuesday Saban was asked about his NFL status during an interview on ESPN’s “Mike & Mike” show.

“Right now I’m pretty happy with where I’m at and I haven’t really been motivated to go anywhere else or do anything else at this time,” Saban said.

In fact, he said, he hasn’t even answered the call to hear any team’s pitch.

“I haven’t to this point,” Saban said.

The phone, however, is probably still ringing.

Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme