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Nick Saban trolls Elle Duncan, asks if he should say 'Go Dawgs' after SportsCenter interview

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz07/16/24NickSchultz_7

While serving as a host and SportsCenter anchor at ESPN, Elle Duncan has worn her Georgia fandom on her sleeve. An Atlanta native, she saw first-hand as her Bulldogs struggled against Nick Saban and Alabama before eventually beating the Crimson Tide for a national title in 2021.

Now, Duncan and Saban are co-workers. The legendary coach joined ESPN in March as an analyst, starting with the NFL Draft and this week’s SEC Media Days. Saban has done multiple interviews throughout the week, and he appeared on SportsCenter with Duncan Tuesday evening.

After his interview wrapped, Saban decided to have some fun with Duncan. He had an important question for her at the end of his hit.

“You want me to say ‘Go Dawgs’ or what?” Saban asked.

By that point, it was too late. Duncan had the clip she wanted, although she already asked if Saban could say it – getting a quick “No,” with a chuckle. It was just the latest example of a new side of the legendary coach, who is no stranger to TV.

More on a ‘new’ Nick Saban on ESPN

Saban made his first appearance on the ESPN desk during the 2024 NFL Draft with the GameDay crew and made quite the impression. Instead of seeing the stoic, all-business coach who stood behind the podium at Alabama, fans saw Saban smiling, laughing and joking while providing in-depth analysis of the players who heard their names called in the draft.

Of course, Saban has done TV before with GameDay during the College Football Playoff. But his performance during the draft was still a welcome sight as he enters the next chapter of his football life. He picked up right where he left off, too, during his trip to Dallas for SEC Media Days.

During his first day on the desk Monday morning, Saban joked Texas won’t “run” the SEC like some said the Longhorns did the Big 12. He also candidly explained why he didn’t necessarily like playing Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns teams because of his creativity and, on Tuesday, called Kirby Smart his “best” assistant from his time at Alabama.

But there’s also the analysis part of the job. Saban broke down why he thinks LSU could be a “sleeper” team and what the biggest questions are for Tennessee this year. He also made an uncharacteristic prediction – at the urging of host Laura Rutledge – by saying Texas and Georgia are on track to meet in the SEC Championship.

It all came together after months of preparation, Saban said on “The Paul Finebaum Show” after Tuesday’s press conferences. He’s getting ready for his ESPN coverage just like he did when he was coaching – which shows in his work.