Saban revisits 2018 decision to bench Hurts

Nick Saban has revisited his decision to replace Jalen Hurts with Tua Tagovailoa at halftime of the 2018 national championship, saying he believed Tagovailoa gave Alabama a better chance to pass against Georgia. Saban also praised Hurts for remaining with the team and supporting Tagovailoa after losing the starting role. Alabama trailed Georgia 13-0 at halftime of the College Football Playoff title game on January 8, 2018. Saban sent Tagovailoa in for the second half, and Alabama rallied to win 26-23 in overtime. Tagovailoa threw three touchdown passes, including the game-winning 41-yard score to DeVonta Smith. In remarks revisiting the change, Saban called it one of the most difficult decisions of his coaching career, citing his respect and admiration for Hurts. He said Alabama was struggling offensively and had strong receivers, and that he thought Tagovailoa could do a better job getting them the ball. The explanation reflects Saban’s account of his reasoning. Footage from the documentary series Saban shows Saban telling Tagovailoa he would start the second half. It also shows Hurts reacting to the news.