Jalen Milroe reconnects with Nick Saban on SEC Network set at SEC Media Days
Last year’s Alabama team shared a special bond, one you could see from the outside. Jalen Milroe was a big leader for the program after securing his starting spot in Week 3. His relationship with Nick Saban was well documented as well, with the two continually sharing moments after big wins.
Saban is no longer in the building, not wanting to be a distraction from what Kalen DeBoer is building. He has been available to talk to players when needed but you have to imagine Milroe has been locked into preparing for the 2024 season. There may have not been much interaction between him and Saban.
So when seeing each other on Wednesday at SEC Media Days, there was a reconnection of friends. Milroe jumped onto the SEC Now set during a commercial state, giving his old head coach a hug and commenting on the suit Saban was wearing.
“Miss Terry dressed me up today,” Saban replied. Focus was then shifted toward the chain Milroe was rocking.
You can watch the full moment here.
In his media role, Saban has been incredibly complimentary of Milroe. Huge improvements are expected heading into his second year as the starting quarterback. Saban specifically discussed Milroe’s comfort level in the pocket improving, actually helping him make plays with his legs at certain times.
“Well Jalen Milroe is a fantastic competitor,” Saban said. “He’s got great ability with his feet, as well as make all the throws and he has continued to improve in his ability to process and make decisions.
“The biggest thing that he made improvement on last year, because people talk about the sacks, is he had to learn how to step up in the pocket. Sometimes when you’re a great athlete you think you’re going to outrun everybody sideways. Aight? But when he started to step up in the pocket he made more plays running and made some explosive plays down the field because you can break down the defense because — as a defensive coach you always want to defend the middle of the field — when a quarterback steps up and he can step up it makes it more difficult to do that.”
Saban will likely be cheering for Milroe, no matter where his football career takes him. The two went through a ton together during the 2023 season and ultimately prevailed with an SEC title and a College Football Playoff appearance.
Any meeting between the two will enjoy smiles, a hug, and jokes with one another.