Nick Saban, Alabama Head Coach Tests Positive for COVID-19

Author: Sonali Pathak

The SEC has been going through a tough patch lately. With some of the conference power brokers’ falling prey to coronavirus and the game shutting down. It did have to stop just with the Florida Gators getting notice to stop the football activities in any form after there was a coronavirus outbreak through the conference. And, lately, it was revealed that the Alabama Crimson Tide have also fallen prey to the coronavirus outbreak. Per the latest reports Byrne and Alabama head coach Nick Saban tested positive for coronavirus and they are living in home isolation.

The game in the absence of coach Saban

The Alabama head coach is asymptomatic and is experiencing no symptoms of coronavirus. Saban is going to celebrate his birthday this month when he will be turning 69. In the absence of Saban, Steve Sarkisian, the Bama offensive coordinator will be directing the team. This weekend Alabama has a huge match to prepare which is to be played against No. 3 Georgia. Until now the position of Saban is not clear as he will have to go through another round of tests to confirm his status.

If another round of test for Saban comes out to be positive (which is being considered almost the case), then it is going to be the first game, Sabam will not be coaching since he joined the conference in 2007. This is being considered one of the biggest losses for the Bama with them moving towards the most important game of the season.

Are there other positive cases for Alabama?

This is obviously a point of concern for the team as they will have to sail through without their head coach who has always helped them move in the right direction. But, as of now, the health of Saban and Byrne are on top of the priority list.

Until now only two of these cases have been reported and the team is doing its best so that this number remains constant. For this number to remain this way, it is important that no other players or staff come in contact with these two affected members.

The two, Saban and Byrne have been asked to maintain social distance, remain isolated, and follow all the important health & safety guidelines. Let’s see what decision is being taken after the second round of test results conducted on Saban comes up.