Finebaum: Fisher, Saban not close

TALLAHASSEE — ESPN and SEC Network host Paul Finebaum had an interesting take on the relationship between Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher and Alabama coach Nick Saban during Friday’s SportsCenter.

“I think it’s friendly, but not close,” Finebaum said of their dynamic. “Saban tried to hire Jimbo when he first went to Alabama, and Jimbo said, ‘Thanks. I’ve already worked for you one time.’ Any Saban assistant would say that. He’s the greatest coach in our game, but he’s also one of the toughest people to work for.”

Fisher served as Saban’s offensive coordinator at LSU from 2000-04, winning Saban’s first national title in 2003. Saban has gone on to win four more titles at Alabama since 2007 while Fisher became head coach at FSU in 2010 and won the 2013 title.

Both coaches have been amicable in the lead-up to their first matchup as head coaches in the 2017 season opener at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sept. 2.

“I think they have a lot of respect for each other,” Finebaum said. “Jimbo, of the Saban disciples, has won a national championship. I remember that night in Pasadena, and you could sense that Nick Saban was very proud when Jimbo won the national championship. … I think they have common respect. But this is Saban’s toughest opener. … There’s no getting around the difficulty of this game for Nick Saban.”

Next game: FSU vs. Alabama (Atlanta), Sept. 2, 8 p.m., ABC