Alabama coach Nick Saban and AD Greg Byrne test positive for COVID-19

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban has tested positive for COVID-19, the school announced Wednesday.

The 68-year-old Saban is now self-isolating at home and will not be in attendance Saturday when Alabama hosts the Georgia Bulldogs.

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne also tested positive for the virus.

“I found out earlier this afternoon that I had tested positive for COVID-19,” Saban said in a press release. “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.”

This is the first instance of an SEC head coach testing positive for the virus since the season began four weeks ago.

For now, Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will oversee the team’s preparations for Saturday’s critical SEC clash with the Bulldogs.

Here’s to hoping Saban and Byrne fully recover from the virus and get back to their normal lives, at least as normal as it can get right now.