Alabama coach Nick Saban is trying adjust for the second time this season to preparing for a game after he received a positive COVID-19 test. Against Georgia earlier this season, he ultimately tested negative three times in order to return to the sidelines. This time, he has mild symptoms.

He addressed the issue ahead of the Iron Bowl on the SEC coaches media teleconference. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will take over the head coach role in Saban’s absence.

“I was informed this morning that I tested positive, it was a PCR test, which is different than the one I had before,” Saban said. “I don’t have a fever… I informed the team this morning via Zoom, I am the only person in the building that has tested positive… I will continue to help the team via meetings… I have a little bit of a runny nose but nothing really. I feel fine. I don’t have anything significant, no fever. Don’t really have anything of significance.”

Saban was asked if he knew how he contracted the virus.

“I have no idea, I’m around nobody. I go to the office and I come home,” Saban said. “There are people that come into my home but I really have no idea… We practice social distancing, in our meetings we sit apart, we wear masks… based on how we handle things in our building, I can’t see any issues.”

In terms of the Iron Bowl, Saban recalled how Auburn won last year on the strength of defensive scoring.

“They had two pick sixes so that was a big deal in the game, they have forced 4 turnovers in the red zone that were big for them… I think it’s all about being disciplined… that’s what they do, Kevin Steele does a good job for them,” Saban said.

He also noted how he sees Auburn’s offense.

“They are very, very good. Scored a lot on LSU. Once they got going against Tennessee, had a tough time stopping them… there is still influence from Gus and Gus is a good coach so the combination of these two make it tough to defend,” Saban said.