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On Dec. 25, 2004, only seven days before LSU's football season concluded, Nick Saban gave Tiger fans perhaps their final Christmas surprise.
And it was not a pleasant one.
Saban announced he would accept the position as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, thus ending his five-year stint as LSU's coach.
Saban, also gaining full control of Miami's football operations, seemed to nab all the presents on his way to the NFL.
But Saban left LSU with a wish not granted; athletic trainer Shelly Mullenix declined to leave Baton Rouge for Miami.
Saban twice requested Mullenix's services, and Mullenix declined both proposals.
Mullenix, a senior associate athletic trainer for LSU since her arrival in 1997, said Saban called separate meetings with LSU athletic trainers to inform them of his plans. Mullenix said Saban offered her a job with the Dolphins during her one-on-one meeting with the coach.
"Miami is where I was born and raised, and he knew that," Mullenix said. "But it was just the opportunity to work in a different environment, in the NFL. The NFL is something that so many trainers perceive as being the next step, and from that standpoint, it seemed as though it would be a good challenge."
But Mullenix did not accept the position with the Dolphins, largely because of her esteem for Jack Marucci and Andy Barker, fellow LSU athletic trainers.
"Jack and Andy are people that I couldn't replace in any setting that I would go to," Mullenix said. "If I couldn't recreate that [rapport] in a different setting, I wasn't really interested in going down there."
Mullenix said this decision confirmed what is important to her when considering a job.
"As I got older, I realized [athletic training] was less about the need to be in the NFL and more about the working relationship you have with the people that you deal with on a daily basis," Mullenix said.
But Mullenix still maintained ties with Saban. During Saban's stay in Miami, she consulted the Dolphins in mental health and nutrition. Mullenix said she assisted the Dolphins during training camp, the Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine and Miami's "Top 20 Camp," in which 20 NFL prospects are brought to Miami for further questions and evaluation after the combine.
Mullenix said working with Saban, regarded by many as a fierce coach, was not as difficult as spectators might perceive.
"If you are confident in what you're doing and you feel strongly about the topic that you're discussing, then you ought to be able to go in there [and work with Saban] without feeling intimidated," she said.
After compiling a 15-17 record in aqua and orange, Saban left Miami with three years left on his contract and inked an eight-year deal with the Alabama. LSU was fresh off a 41-14 Sugar Bowl victory against Notre Dame, and Saban requested Mullenix's services again.
Mullenix said this latest proposal from Saban was not nearly as enticing as the first.
"I have no interest in going to another collegiate setting," Mullenix said. "I've got family here now. I've got a life here, and it doesn't make much sense to move. I wished [Saban] well, but other than that, my home is LSU."
LSU is a home where Mullenix has affected numerous athletes, especially those playing football - her "critical assignment."
One such athlete is senior defensive end Kirston Pittman, who played two seasons at LSU curtailed by ankle and Achilles injuries. Pittman, now a starting lineman, said Mullenix's expertise proved invaluable for his recovery.
"[Mullenix] is a great person, a great woman and she really takes that job seriously," Pittman said. "When I first got back and I was trying to do some things - eating right and drinking right - I sat down with her. She gave me a plan of things to go and get to eat well and get myself in better shape."
Pittman said Mullenix stressed eating greens and drinking plenty of water. She also told him to avoid fatty foods.
But Pittman is not the only Tiger Mullenix has shared her nutritional advise with. Sophomore Keiland Williams, who does not eat red meat, said Mullenix catered an eating plan for the running back.
"Shelly and I have sat down a little bit and discussed some things I need to do to get my protein in," Williams said. "She's a great person to talk to, just always willing to help, just there for you."
Williams, Mullenix and the rest of the Tigers will travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to face Saban's squad. Mullenix said this visit to Alabama will be just like any other between the two teams jockeying for a prime position in the Southeastern Conference.
"I'm excited to see [Saban]," Mullenix said. "But when the clock starts, it's probably going to be LSU versus Alabama."
---- Contact Jonathan Finney at jfinney@lsureveille.com
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