Nick Saban responds to idea of requiring full injury, availability reports like the NFL

Nick Saban has plenty of experience in college football but between his time at LSU and Alabama, there was a stint in the NFL. He served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins but after two seasons, headed to Tuscaloosa. Now, the SEC could be looking to adopt policies from the NFL to improve the conference.

One of the ideas would be for SEC teams to release injury reports. Saban was asked his opinion on it, saying it’s not really something he has ever thought about. But he did understand why the move would be made, dishing on a lesson he learned while in the NFL.

“Never really thought about it,” Saban said. “Most of the things they do in the NFL — because they invest a significant amount of money into their business — is really to protect their business. And usually, most of those things are well thought out and are advantageous to protect the game.

“Which is what I think all of these things that we’re talking about now basically is what we’re forced to do — protect the game and the players that play the game.”

Right now, NFL teams have to give out injury reports for three days leading up to a game. As most play on Sundays, you will see one on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Even the slightest injuries must be reported by teams and substantial penalties can be given out for breaking policy.

Coaches in the SEC can make their own decisions on how injuries are disclosed. More times than not, when asked during press conferences, a vague answer of sorts is given out. But if the SEC were to enforce an NFL-like policy, programs would have to switch it up.

More times than not, the public does not know the status of players until kickoff. If somebody is trotting out onto the field, you have to assume they are good to go. Otherwise, the injuries can catch everyone by surprise. That’s something the SEC is trying to avoid for a few different reasons moving forward.

Saban does believe if the SEC does choose to implement the policy, it would be something Commissioner Greg Sankey wants to protect the conference. After all, that’s something the NFL does really well on a consistent basis. And if the SEC is going to continue to be the leader in college football, operating like them makes the most sense.