In Mid-Season Form: Fired Up Nick Saban Snaps At Reporters

If anything is guaranteed during college football season, it's that Nick Saban will scold a reporter's question at some point. We usually can expect that later in the season, but the Alabama head coach decided to take aim in Wednesday's press conference.

The reporter asked what tight end Jahleel Billingsley had done to earn more playing time. Saban gave a fine response originally.

“Well he’s doing what he is supposed to do, he’s practice better, he’s more engaged, and he’s more focused on what he is supposed to do. And he’s having more positive performance on the field, which is what any player is supposed to do," Saban said.

But Saban wasn't done and proceeded to drop one of his classic zingers on the reporter.

“Did any of you play sports? I mean, the coach is supposed to play the best players, right?” Saban said. "But maybe if you didn’t play, maybe that’s not something you quite get.”

While this is what we've come to expect from Saban, the question was straightforward and not out of line. For whatever reason, coaches like Saban and Bill Belichick, who do nothing but win, always seem to be in a crabby mood with the media.

Relax, Saban. You're 3-0 and No. 1 in the nation. I think things are just fine in Tuscaloosa.

Written by
Nick Geddes is a 2021 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. A life-long sports enthusiast, Nick shares a passion for sports writing and is proud to represent OutKick.