Nick Saban provides update on Bill O’Brien, Doug Marrone after positive COVID-19 tests
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide are officially in Dallas ahead of the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
With a trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in the balance, the Tide are currently without 2 key offensive assistants — OC Bill O’Brien and OL coach Doug Marrone.
Both coaches tested positive for COVID-19 last week and have been isolating. However, Saban said on Sunday that both are expected to rejoin the team before the game on Friday:
Bill O’Brien and Doug Marrone will join the Alabama team before the Cotton Bowl, Nick Saban said, after testing positive for COVID-19 last week.
— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) December 26, 2021
Saban said Bill O'Brien and Doug Marrone will "do all their work and coaching virtually" while dealing with COVID-19. They will rejoin the team before the Cotton Bowl.
Also, Joe Pendry will assume an on-field role until they can return.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 26, 2021
Saban also added that the Tide have, thus far, not had any players enter COVID protocols.
That’s good news ahead of the big CFP semifinal against Cincinnati. We’ll see if the Tide and Bearcats can continue to avoid any issues that are impacting the rest of the college football world.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
