Nick Saban to return for Alabama vs. LSU after COVID diagnosis

After missing the win over Auburn after testing positive for the coronavirus, Nick Saban expects to be back for Alabama’s game with LSU this weekend.

If you didn’t know Nick Saban wasn’t on the sidelines for Alabama’s win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl, you would have been none the wiser, because the Crimson Tide had no issues beating their in-state rivals.

Saban missed the game after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week and had to watch the game in isolation from his home. In his absence, offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian assumed the head coaching duties and guided the Crimson Tide to a convincing win.

Nick Saban to return from COVID for Alabama game vs. LSU

However, Sarkisian will go back to focusing on the offense with Saban expected to make his return to the team this week. Throughout his diagnosis, Saban insisted he was feeling fine with only mild symptoms and really wished he could be with his team.

Speaking with the media on Monday, Saban sounded confident he’ll be on the sidelines and back at practice to get No. 1 Alabama ready for their showdown with LSU>

“I’m feeling fine,” Saban said. ‘You don’t need to worry about me. … I don’t anticipate any problems in being able to coach the game this week.”

Alabama was previously scheduled to meet LSU in November before the game was postponed due to the Tigers having COVID issues of their own at the time. The SEC was able to shuffle around the schedule to fit in the revenge game for Alabama against the reigning national champions who have struggled this year without Joe Burrow and the playmakers and defensive stars they had last year.

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