Twenty years ago today, on November 30th, Nick Saban left Michigan State for SEC powerhouse Lousiana State University, a move that doubled his salary and made him one of the top coaches in the country back in 1999, making about $1.2 million annually.

Back when Saban took over though, LSU wasn’t exactly a powerhouse. They had just completed a 3-8 season while MSU was headed for a bowl game in what was a great season for the Spartans. They went 10-2 and ultimately won the Citrus Bowl against Florida, without Saban present of course. Bobby Williams took over for Saban after he jumped ship.

Here is why Saban left, according to him:

“I liked the challenge of this football program,” Saban said. “I think there is great tradition. I think the Southeastern Conference is a very competitive, outstanding football conference. There’s a challenge to being part of that conference that kind of intrigued me.”