New Orleans, LA (My Sportsbook) - New Orleans Saints assistant coach Mike Riley announced on Friday that he will not accept the University of Alabama's offer for a contract to become the school's new head football coach.

Riley said he was offered an eight-year, $12 million deal to coach the Crimson Tide, but wanted to visit UCLA before making a final decision. Alabama officials told Riley they had to move on, and Riley in turn declined to accept the offer.

Riley's wife and children have remained on the West Coast during his tenure with the Saints. Riley, who served brief stints as head coach for Oregon State and the San Diego Chargers, is expected to meet with UCLA officials after Sunday's game with Minnesota.

A former Crimson Tide defensive back, Riley would have replaced Dennis Franchione, who left Alabama earlier this month to take over the head coaching position at Texas A&M.

Franchione guided the Crimson Tide to a 17-8 record over the past two seasons, including 10-3 this year. However, Alabama is not allowed to play in a bowl game this year or in 2003 because the program is on probation by the NCAA for recruiting violations that occurred prior to Franchione's arrival.