Tua Tagovailoa reacts to Nick Saban retirement during Hard Knocks filming
Tua Tagovailoa couldn’t believe it when Nick Saban retired. In fact, the Miami Dolphins quarterback found out about his former Alabama coach while filming the in-season Hard Knocks.
Saban’s retirement sent shockwaves across college football. While there were rumblings that this could be it, it still came as a surprise this week.
You can see Tagovailoa’s reaction below in the video from Hard Knocks.
In three seasons at Alabama, Tagovailoa had 7,442 yards, 87 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 69.3% completion percentage under Saban. He won the national title as a freshman when he subbed in for Jalen Hurts after halftime, beating Georgia.
Of course, Tagovailoa went on to become a first round pick by the Miami Dolphins. Now in his fourth season, the former Saban product is in the midst of a career year.
He has 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and a 69.3% completion percentage. The Dolphins are the No. 6 seed in the AFC with an 11-6 record and take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round Saturday.
Saban’s replacement, former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer, was announced two days later.
“I want nothing more than to see Alabama football continue to be successful, and Coach DeBoer is an outstanding choice to lead the program,” Saban said in a statement from UA. “He has a proven track record of success and is one of the brightest football minds. Coach DeBoer has an excellent understanding of what it takes to be a successful head coach, whether it’s coaching, recruiting, developing players or building a culture.
“He has done a fantastic job at every stop of his coaching career, and I am excited to see what he will be able to accomplish in Tuscaloosa. Terry and I will be here to support Coach DeBoer and his family with anything they need.”
In Alabama’s official release, DeBoer discussed replacing Saban as coach in Tuscaloosa.
“I have always had an incredible respect for Alabama football and its commitment to excellence,” DeBoer said. “The tradition-rich history of this program is unmatched across the landscape of college athletics, and I look forward to continuing that moving forward.
“Following Coach Saban is an honor. He has been the standard for college football, and his success is unprecedented. I would not have left Washington for just any school. The chance to lead the football program at The University of Alabama is the opportunity of a lifetime. My family and I feel truly blessed and look forward to becoming a part of the Tuscaloosa community.”