Nick Saban: Lane Kiffin leaving Alabama, going to FAU

FILE - In this Dec. 2, 2016, file photo, Alabama head coach Nick Saban, left, talks with Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, right, during practice for the Southeastern Conference Championship NCAA college football game, in Atlanta. A person with direct knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin has agreed in principle to become the next coach at Florida Atlantic. The person, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither side had revealed anything publicly, said the school was preparing an announcement likely to come later Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)

By Associated Press December 12, 2016 1 min read

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) – Alabama coach Nick Saban says Lane Kiffin is leaving the Crimson Tide and becoming the next head coach at Florida Atlantic.

Saban says Kiffin will remain with Alabama for the College Football Playoff, in which the undefeated Crimson Tide are the No. 1 seed.

Kiffin has agreed to a five-year deal at FAU, pending approval from the school’s board of trustees, a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither side had revealed anything publicly.

Saban says, “FAU has selected someone that’s going to do a great job for them.”

Kiffin has been the offensive coordinator at Alabama for the last three seasons, helping the Crimson Tide win last season’s national championship.