NCAA Rules Bar Saban From Communicating With Team During Game

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — The last time any football coach not named Nick Saban led the Alabama Crimson Tide from the sidelines, defensive coordinator and interim head coach Joe Kines saw the Tide drop a 34-31 Independence Bowl against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in 2006.

Saban was hired shortly after the loss, eventually resurrecting a stagnated program and becoming the most familiar and constant presence amid the Tide's success. This Saturday, though, as No. 2 Alabama looks to take on No. 3 Georgia in a primetime night game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the legendary coach will likely not be seen pacing the sidelines for the first time since he was hired.

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Following the news that Saban and UA athletic director Greg Byrne both tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, a media availability via Zoom was held that gave Saban the opportunity to answer questions and address the concerns around his diagnosis. At one point, he was asked about what his level of communication would be with coaches both during the practice week and the game on Saturday.

"I'm not sure exactly how this is going to play out when the game comes, whether I can have communication with people or not," Saban said Wednesday evening.

Despite the ever-changing nature of a season that has forced quick pivots and adjustments for programs, Saban will be prohibited from interaction with the team during the game on Saturday if he continues to test positive and remain in quarantine, according to a recent NCAA ruling that states voice communications are only allowed between the press box and the team area.

The hypothetical published in the ruling gives an example of a head coach in quarantine who wants to monitor a television broadcast while calling in plays to coordinators via cell phone or through the use of a virtual communications platform like Zoom.

The use of computers for coaching purposes during the game, according to the ruling, is also prohibited for the quarantined coach. NCAA rules dictate a quarantined coach can communicate with his team virtually until 90 minutes before kickoff, when officiating crews assume jurisdiction of the game.

This ruling also applies to time periods between quarters, including halftime, up until the referee signals that the score is final.

Saban said on Wednesday that offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will handle duties around the UA football complex, while Saban will continue to work from home in the lead up to Saturday's game. Saban pointed out Sarkisian's experience as a head coach and praised his staff and players for their preparation.

"Those guys can make good game day decisions," he said.

Kickoff for Georgia at Alabama is set for 7 p.m. local time and will be broadcast on CBS.