Alabama Football 2020: How Many Games Will Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban Miss Due To COVID?

KEY POINTS

Alabama's Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban tested positive for COVID-19, with mild symptoms
He will miss this week's Iron Bowl game against the Auburn Tigers, but could be back in time for next Friday's match against Arkansas
Saban has been a successful coach in the past, and fans worried about his absence on social media

Alabama head football coach Nick Saban tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and is experiencing "very mild symptoms."

"He will follow all appropriate guidelines and isolate at home,” according to a statement from the university.

Saban, 69, had tested positive on Oct. 17, but the test was determined to be a false positive and he returned to coaching. His only current symptom is a runny nose.

Nick Saban Alabama 2015 — Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide Getty Images

Saban will be unavailable Saturday when Alabama faces their rival, the Auburn Tigers. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will replace Saban and rules prohibit coaches to participate remotely.

The Southeast Conference mandates a 10-day isolation period for anyone who tests positive for COVID and has symptoms. It is unclear if Saban will be available to coach against Arkansas on Dec. 5 in the season finale.

The Crimson Tide are ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Saban isn’t the only coach who has tested positive. Kansas' Les Miles and Arizona's Kevin Sumlin have also had to isolate this season after positive results.

The Iron Bowl has been played in Tuscaloosa 12 times.

When Nick Saban has coached that game, Alabama is 5-1.

When he hasn't, Auburn is 6-0.
— Josh Vitale (@JoshVitale) November 25, 2020

Saban's 10-day isolation would end next Friday, a day before Alabama's scheduled game against Arkansas. But his symptoms would need to have subsided for at least two days, I believe, for him to return.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 25, 2020