Nick Saban, Alabama AD Test Positive For COVID-19

Alabama football coach Nick Saban and athletic director Greg Byrne have tested positive for COVID-19, the school announced Wednesday.

No. 2 Alabama is due to face No. 3 Georgia on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will run the show for the Crimson Tide in Saban’s absence.

“I found out earlier this afternoon that I had tested positive for COVID-19,” the 68-year-old Saban said in a statement. “I immediately left work and isolated at home. At this time, I do not have any symptoms relative to COVID, and I have taken another PCR test to confirm my diagnosis. I informed our team of my positive test at 2 p.m. today on a Zoom call and let them know offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will oversee preparations at the complex while I work from home.”

Said Byrne: “Today, I received notice that my COVID-19 test from this morning came back positive. Upon hearing the news, I immediately entered self-isolation and will remain at home and follow all guidelines. We’ve been diligent about mask wearing and social distancing from the start and want to continue to encourage you all to take the necessary precautions to help stop the spread of this virus for yourself and those around you.”

“Both immediately left the facility and went to their homes to self-isolate after receiving that information,” Dr. Jimmy Robinson, Alabama’s team doctor, and Jeff Allen, the football team’s head athletic trainer, said in a statement. “At this point in time, the positive tests are limited to those two individuals. All individuals who are considered high risk contacts have been notified and will follow quarantine guidelines.”

On Wednesday, the SEC postponed Saturday’s game between Florida and LSU aftere at least 21 Florida players and two assistant coaches tested positive for the virus.