When Alabama takes on Mississippi State on Saturday, the opposing sideline will look different to Nick Saban.

It’s the Bulldogs first season since the passing of legendary head coach Mike Leach, who died in December 2022. To Saban, Leach was someone he respected a lot and considered a friend.

Saban opened up about coaching against Leach during his press conference Monday.

“I loved Mike Leach. He was different, but in a good way,” Saban said. “Had a great since of humor, obviously presented an offensive system and scheme that was unique and very challenging. But he believed in it and kind of it did his way. I’ve always had a tremendous amount of respect for him as a coach, but really liked him as a person.”

Leach was head coach at Mississippi State for 3 seasons after long tenures at Washington State and Texas Tech. He was known for being the mastermind behind the air raid offense.

Alabama and Mississippi State will kickoff at 9 p.m. ET Saturday night.