Alabama coach Nick Saban tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Iron Bowl clash with Auburn

Alabama coach Nick Saban has tested positive for COVID-19 and is showing symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the program. The revelation comes three days before No.1 Crimson Tide will play No.22 Auburn in his annual Iron Bowl rivalry game which will be featured as SEC on CBS Game of the Week.

“This morning we received a notification that Coach Saban has tested positive for COVID-19. He has very mild symptoms, so this test will not be classified as a potential false positive. He will follow all appropriate guidelines. and self-isolate at home, ”the program said in a report.

This is the second time this season that Saban has tested positive for COVID-19. He had previously tested positive before Alabama’s game against Georgia, but was asymptomatic. Saban was eventually cleared to coach the game against the Bulldogs after testing negative three times, indicating that the initial test was likely a false positive.

The Alabama statement suggests that things will be different this time around, which means the Crimson Tide will be coached from the sideline by someone other than Saban as they seek revenge on Saturday for last year’s loss to Auburn. The program’s succession plan before the game in Georgia called on offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian to play a high role while Saban was out after testing positive for COVID-19.

Crimson Tide will presumably follow a similar plan this time around, although details have not been released on how the staff will cope in Saban’s absence. Saban, who turned 69 last month, has continued to work from home after testing positive for COVID-19 the first time.