SHUCKING NEWS: Nick Saban says he’s having ‘fun’ coaching up-and-down alabama team

Alabama coach Nick Saban flashed a grin as he toyed with a cigar, wrapping up his postgame interview before swiftly heading over to the student section to commend them for their support after the 11th-ranked Crimson Tide clinched a 34-20 victory at home against No. 17 Tennessee on Saturday evening.

The game mirrored Alabama’s season thus far, starting with a rocky beginning before ultimately finding a way to come out on top. The Tide, on a six-game winning streak since their Week 2 loss to Texas, found themselves trailing by 13 points at halftime before rallying to score 27 unanswered points against their rival Vols.

Reflecting on the journey his team has embarked on, including the process of establishing an offensive identity with a new quarterback in Jalen Milroe and navigating through closer-than-expected games against USF and Arkansas, Saban expressed his satisfaction with coaching this particular group.

“I love it,” Saban remarked about coaching this team. “It’s been great. The challenges are great. I enjoy coaching this team. That’s not to say they’re not taking years off my life. But I’m OK with it. It’s fun because they’ve got a good spirit about them.”

Milroe, who was temporarily benched following a two-interception game against Texas, has seen a remarkable turnaround since reclaiming his starting position. In the five games since his reinstatement, he has thrown eight touchdowns and only three interceptions.

While acknowledging his team’s competitive spirit and receptiveness to coaching, Saban also pointed out the need for consistent performance, particularly given the rigorous schedule without a bye week for eight consecutive weeks.

Despite initial fatigue, Saban noted the team’s resilience, especially evident in their halftime adjustments defensively against Tennessee’s quarterback Joe Milton.

With the victory holding significant meaning for the Tide, particularly after last season’s loss to Tennessee, linebacker Chris Braswell emphasized the personal significance attached to the win.

Expressing gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support, Saban made sure to acknowledge the pivotal role their energy played in the team’s performance.

As Alabama enjoys a week off before their next matchup against No. 19 LSU on November 4th, Saban and his team look forward to continuing their journey with renewed vigor and determination.