By Associated Press
Tuscaloosa, AL – Newly hired Alabama football coach Nick Saban held his first news conference Thursday morning in Tuscaloosa. Saban admitted his departure from Miami after two years was premature, but added the program was in better shape than when he took over. Saban also said that his heart was always in coaching the college game, and that Dolphins' owner Wayne Huizenga had to talk him into taking the Miami job. In addressing the Crimson Tide fans and media, Saban said he knows a lot is expected from him but no more than what he expects from himself.
Note: Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill attended the conference and is producing a report that will be broadcast Thursday afternoon during All Things Considered.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)