Nick Saban tests positive for COVID-19

Following a big day of COVID news around the SEC, Alabama head coach Nick Saban has now tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon. The University announced the news early on Wednesday evening.

Alabama AD Greg Byrne also tested positive. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian has taken over game prep for the week, while Saban works from home. As things currently stand, Sarkisian’s name could be called on Saturday to fill in on the sidelines for Saban.

“I found out earlier this afternoon that I had tested positive for COVID-19,” Saban said. “I immediately left work and isolated at home. At this time, I do not have any symptoms relative to COVID.”

Tennessee is scheduled to play Alabama in Knoxville next weekend, on October 24th. Alabama hosts Georgia this weekend in a massive SEC showdown.

Elsewhere in the league this week, Florida-LSU and Vanderbilt-Missouri have each been postponed due to a number of COVID positives.

Below is Saban’s press conference from this afternoon.

Tennessee experienced plenty of COVID issues throughout fall training camp, but have avoided any real setbacks to this point. However, with plenty of situations around the league developing, it’s certainly possible that we could see schedule changes in the coming weeks.