The Alabama Crimson Tide is missing their dear former coach Nick Saban, and that is exactly what Jalen Milroe said in his speech, though in his way. The 72-year-old veteran coach announced his decision to retire from pro football last month and the world of college football hasn’t been the same ever since.

Nick Saban was the backbone of the Alabama team for more than a decade. He poured his blood, sweat, and tears into taking Alabama to great heights of glory. Since his tenure from 2007 to 2024, he won over 6 national titles for the team, namely in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020. Now that Kalen DeBoer has taken over, Milroe included Saban’s name in his speech to the team in remembrance of the golden coach but ended up hilariously joking about him at the same time.

Jalen Milroe jokingly calls out Nick Saban for his old age in an emotional speech to his team

On the latest episode of the ‘Pat McAfee’ show, the hosts, along with Jalen Milroe, react to a viral moment of him speaking to his team and joking about the former HC’s age. He was seen giving a heartfelt speech about the team and how much he misses Saban but didn’t pass up the opportunity to call him out hysterically either.

Milroe said, ” I miss coach Saban 100%. I do miss coach Saban. He was a big reason why I came to Alabama um but to see him go is going to be tough on us. But we have to realize that coach Saban is 28 years from being 100 years old! So we got to let him, we got to let him retire.” The entire room erupted in laughter over his joke, and so did Pat McAfee himself. Though he had a laugh to share with the team, here’s what McAfee had to say about Milroe being a true leader to the team.

Pat McAfee praises Jalen Milroe’s leadership skills after his joke that made the entire team laugh

Jalen Milroe has been a crucial part of the success that Alabama has seen so far. He was one of the most prized gems of Nick Saban’s squad and he gave it his all for the victory of the men in crimson. Now that Saban has left, a lot of responsibility rests on his head to try and live up to the reputation that the veteran coach left for him.

For the speech that Milroe made, this is what McAfee had to say about his importance in the squad. He said, “Love the mindset. That’s the leader down there and he’s the guy who’s going to decide whether or not they’re able to continue to go or not. Everybody loves him, you talk about being an energy giver and a fountain. Saban’s been saying that since the beginning. ” Thus, it is evident that Milroe will be the key factor in leading Alabama to glory next season, more so than coach DeBeor even.

Read more: Respect to Nick Saban, Tight Slap to Kalen DeBoer: Ryan Williams Alabama Exit Indirectly Strikes a Below-the-Belt Note for New HC

Will Milroe be able to make Saban proud next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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