Watson turns down 'Bama offer

Shawn Watson has turned down an offer from Alabama to become the school’s offensive coordinator, multiple sources told the Journal Star on Tuesday.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban sought to have Watson fly there Tuesday, but Watson declined the invitation and said he was planning to remain as NU’s offensive coordinator, according to sources.

Saban told Rivals.com on Tuesday that he did approach Watson but said Alabama “didn’t really offer it to him. We called and asked permission to talk to him and he decided to stay at Nebraska.”

According to sources close to Watson, the assistant received an offer for the Alabama job on Monday.

Watson did not address the details of the Alabama situation on Tuesday, but did declare his allegiances to Nebraska in a statement.

“I am excited about continuing in my role as the offensive coordinator at Nebraska. I deeply appreciate the opportunity that Coach (Bo) Pelini and Coach Osborne have given me. My family and I enjoy being at Nebraska. This is a great place to do what I love and that is coaching football,” Watson said.

“Right now my focus is on helping finish up a strong recruiting class and looking ahead to spring football. We have a great group of kids in our program and I look forward to coaching the offense we have coming back for next season.”

Watson did not return phone messages left Tuesday.

Pelini said he was thrilled that Watson chose to remain on the Husker staff. When asked why he felt Watson decided to stay in Lincoln, Pelini said: "I hope he's staying because he knows he's a key cog for us, and that we have a bright future here."

The 48-year-old Watson was first linked to the Alabama job on Sunday night.

Though some Husker fans might have considered the move a lateral one, Watson would have bolstered his salary by taking the position.

As it stands, Watson is slated to make $225,000 this season at Nebraska. Three sources close to Watson said he would have received a pay raise of at least $75,000 — and that’s probably conservative — to run Alabama’s offense.

Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne declined an interview request on the matter.

This may not be the last offer Watson has to weigh. There are several teams interested in Watson’s services, said a source close to the coach, including at least one NFL team.

Watson has spent the past three seasons on the Husker staff under Bill Callahan, becoming the offensive coordinator last season.

Despite Watson’s title, Callahan played the lead role in running all parts of the offense. That is anticipated to change this fall, with Watson at the controls.

Though Nebraska struggled last season, the offense held steady, finishing 11th in the country in total offense.

Watson was one of just two assistants from Callahan’s staff retained by new Husker head coach Bo Pelini.