On Sunday during the Cotton Bowl head coaches media conference, Alabama head coach Nick Saban provided the latest update on offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and offensive line coach Doug Marrone.
O’Brien and Marrone previously tested positive for COVID-19 last Wednesday ahead of the team’s holiday break. Saban shared that both coaches have been doing well since the positive tests and the pair would be conducting their coaching sessions virtually. Both O’Brien and Marrone are also still expected to join the team ahead of its Cotton Bowl matchup with Cincinnati.
Saban also shared that the Crimson Tide’s Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Joe Pendry would be filling in for Marrone coaching the offensive line.
“We’re using the same protocols that we used in the past for COVID situations, and they will do all their work and coaching virtually with players, very similar to the way I did it when I tested positive before the Auburn game a year ago,” Saban said. “They will join us I think, in the evening of the 29th or 30th or whenever their time is up — before the game. And I think they’re both doing well. No one is really that bad sick that they can’t function and do things that they need to do with our players.
“In the meantime, Joe Pendry will be on the field to work with the offensive line, who has been here for a long time and was a former offensive line coach for us. The two coaches that are gone will Zoom practice and Xoom the meetings and do all the things that they need to do.”
Shortly following Saban and Alabama Athletic Trainer Jeff Allen released a joint statement on the cases stating that both coaches had mild symptoms at the time of their tests.
**This post will be updated.**
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
