It’s not uncommon for ESPN to bring comedians on College GameDay as a celebrity guest picker. And when that happens, the vibe on set is supposed to be, well, comedic. That didn’t exactly jell with Nick Saban.
Ahead of Notre Dame’s first-round College Football Playoff game against Indiana, comedian Shane Gillis appeared as the celebrity guest. In an earlier segment with Pat McAfee, Gillis made a joke about how Alabama and the rest of the SEC are on an even playing field now that every school can pay players. Apparently, Saban confronted Gillis about the remarks before they appeared together in the stadium. Things turned awkward quickly.
And despite Kirk Herbstreit and McAfee insisting that Saban loves the banter and was just joking, Gillis felt that Saban grew legitimately angry once he repeated the SEC joke and called the legendary head coach “Alabama Jones.” (Warning: The video contains strong language).
Shane Gillis’s interaction with Nick Saban after calling him Alabama Jones pic.twitter.com/w0qPwAnIz7
— Karter Baughan (@karterb8) January 9, 2025
I must admit that the “Alabama Jones” comment was actually funny. I mean, look at that hat.
The SEC has been in shambles ever since this moment #AlabamaJones pic.twitter.com/gYellAYwwT
— Kenny Hammer (@Kenny_Hammer_) January 1, 2025
But it doesn’t sound like Saban will be in any rush to interact with Gillis again anytime soon.
