Pat McAfee and Nick Saban shared a memorable and now-viral moment during their first appearance together on ESPN’s College GameDay, which led to some lighthearted banter on McAfee’s show the following week. Last Saturday, during a commercial break, McAfee’s energetic dance moves seemed to catch the legendary Alabama coach off guard, sparking a moment that quickly spread across social media. Fans noticed Saban’s seemingly annoyed expression, turning the interaction into an internet sensation.
On Friday, McAfee brought up the viral moment during his show while the pair sat inside Michigan Stadium, setting the stage for yet another charming exchange between the two. “You side-eyed the s–t out of me,” McAfee joked, referring to Saban’s reaction to his dancing.
Saban, known for his serious demeanor, replied with a candid laugh, “I didn’t know what to think,” acknowledging the unexpected nature of the situation.
McAfee then voiced what many viewers had likely assumed: “You were thinking I was an a–hole,” poking fun at the cultural contrast between the two personalities—McAfee, the flamboyant and energetic former NFL punter, and Saban, the no-nonsense, disciplined former Alabama football coach.
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Despite the moment of awkwardness, the two shared compliments about their experience working together on GameDay, with McAfee clearly enjoying the unique dynamic they bring to the set. But McAfee wasn’t done milking the moment for laughs. He playfully asked, “Are you gonna quit GameDay because I was dancing during a commercial break? A lot of people were saying that on the internet.”
Saban, proving he has a sense of humor of his own, quickly responded, “No, [I was] thinking about when you’re gonna ask me to dance,” turning the tables and leaving McAfee in stitches.
The playful exchange highlighted the evolving relationship between McAfee and Saban, who are part of a refreshed College GameDay lineup. The team includes familiar faces like Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, and Desmond Howard, with Saban joining the crew after his recent retirement from coaching. This season marks Saban’s first as a full-time analyst on GameDay, offering a new perspective after years of leading the Crimson Tide to college football dominance.
This wasn’t the first time McAfee and Saban shared a viral moment. On August 23, McAfee found himself in the spotlight once again during a live taping of The Pat McAfee Show in Ireland.
The event, held at a pub, saw McAfee enjoy a bit too much to drink while Saban sat by his side. In a spontaneous and entertaining turn of events, McAfee even got up to perform an Irish dance with Saban’s wife, affectionately known as “Miss Terry,” adding another layer of charm to the evolving dynamic between the two.
While Saban is known for his serious approach to football, his interactions with McAfee show a more relaxed, playful side of the legendary coach as he transitions into his new role on College GameDay.
The chemistry between the two polar opposites continues to create memorable moments for fans, both on and off the air.
