If Nick Saban got what he wanted, Hugh Freeze would be on Alabama’s coaching staff for the 2018 season. That’s according to an AL.com article that stated Saban was interested in hiring the former Ole Miss coach, but the SEC stepped in and discouraged the potential hiring.

Until Tuesday night, Saban had not publicly addressed the report. However, during an appearance at a fundraiser in Mobile, Saban was asked to confirm or deny the report regarding Freeze. While Saban didn’t exactly do either of those, his statement clearly states his high opinion of Freeze and his respect for the SEC.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Hugh Freeze as a coach. I think he did a fabulous job when he was at Ole Miss. He has been a friend that I have shared ideas with, spent time with, know his family, as does Miss Terry know his family. So we have a tremendous amount of respect for him,” Saban said in a video posted to YouTube by AL.com.

“We also have respect for the SEC and what they think is in some cases best for the league relative to circumstances people created for themselves, but I have a lot of respect for Hugh, and I think he will be back in our profession and we wish him and his family the very best, and if we can do anything to help them, we’d be happy to do that.”

Take from that what you will but it appears Saban indirectly confirmed the report.