The first test was a false positive, but this time Nick Saban is experiencing symptoms for Coronavirus.
A statement came from Dr. Jimmy Robinson and Jeff Allen of the University of Alabama on Wednesday, as Saban has tested positive again for COVID-19 and will isolate at home. With him having mild symptoms and the Iron Bowl on Saturday, does this mean Steve Sarkisian gets his opportunity to coach the Crimson Tide? It is an option, seeing as how Saban did appoint him as the person to run the program when he got a positive COVID test before the matchup with Georgia.
RELATED: Breaking: Alabama head coach Nick Saban tests positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms
Saban was able to coach against the Bulldogs, but it will not be the same versus Auburn.
According to the NCAA rule book, an off-field analyst can be on the field to help the team if a head coach or a position coach is out. This does present a case for Charlie Strong, but more than likely this is Sarkisian’s opportunity. Also, Saban did mention how Alabama had a plan for these situations on who would replace an important coach (including himself) if it were to miss a game.
During the SEC Coaches Teleconference, Saban said Sarkisian will take up coaching duties for the Iron Bowl.
Sarkisian does have head coaching experience. He was at the helm for five years (2009-13) at the University of Washington and served two years (2014-15) at University of Southern California. Since returning from open heart surgery in the offseason, he has coached one of the most explosive offenses in college football. Sarkisian has the Tide boasting the best scoring offense in the Southeastern Conference, averaging 49.4 points per game. He will lead Alabama against Auburn this week.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
