Author shares hilarious story about Jeremy Pruitt explaining to Nick Saban what Zaxby’s is

Jeremy Pruitt is in hot water these days after an NCAA Notice of Allegations accused him and his staff of 18 Level I violations during his tenure as Tennessee’s head coach.

But, back in the day, Pruitt was a well-respected assistant on Nick Saban’s Alabama coaching staff, serving as the Tide’s defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2017 and was also on Alabama’s staff from 2007 to 2012.

Author John Talty, who recently wrote a book about Saban, took to Twitter on Monday to share a great story about Pruitt and Saban. He explained how Pruitt had to tell Saban what Zaxby’s, a popular chicken chain, is:

With Jeremy Pruitt back in the news, it reminds me of a favorite Nick Saban anecdote that didn't make the book.

One night out recruiting, Pruitt and Saban are looking to get some food. Pruitt suggests Zaxby's.

Saban looks at Pruitt and says, "What the fuck is a Zaxby's?"

— John Talty (@JTalty) July 25, 2022

So now Pruitt, a man who famously didn't know what asparagus was on national TV, has to explain to Nick Saban what a Zaxby's is.

He decides on, "It's like a classier Chick-fil-A, Coach."

Which, no disrespect to Zaxby's, is not the description I would have gone with.

— John Talty (@JTalty) July 25, 2022

Some might argue with Pruitt’s assessment that Zaxby’s is “like a classier Chick-fil-A,” but the popular chain has plenty of fans.

Perhaps Saban is among those Zaxby’s fans now after going to one with Pruitt.

Adam Spencer

Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 14 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.