Saban noncommittal on Kiffin coaching through CFP

Kirby Smart continued coaching Alabama to a national title last season even after taking the Georgia job, but offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin may not be so lucky.

Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban was noncommittal as to whether Kiffin would continue coaching if he decides to jump ship.

"I think it depends on the circumstance and the situation, and I think those are things that people have to agree on relative to what their goals and aspirations are, the circumstance and situation that they're in, their commitment to our players and our team, and do we think it's going to affect our organization long term," Saban said. "So those things are always evaluated."

Reports have surfaced that Ed Orgeron is targeting Kiffin to be his offensive coordinator at LSU and the 41-year-old has also been linked to the Houston job.

''We've had conversations about it,'' Saban said. ''He wants to be a head coach. I want him to be a head coach. I want to help him get a head coaching job.

''The rest of it, we have not discussed, and I don't think it's the right time.''

Kiffin would like to stay with the Tide throughout the playoff, and could see himself coaching another season in Alabama, according to ESPN's Alex Scarborough.

"Yeah, I sure do," Kiffin said. "I'm happy to be here. Coach Saban and I talked this week about what a great experience it's been. ... We'll keep going from here. You know this season isn't over."

Kiffin took over Alabama's offense in 2014 after serving head coaching stints with USC, Tennessee, and the Oakland Raiders.