- ABC News
- December 22, 2021
Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien and offensive line coach Doug Marrone have tested positive for COVID-19, the school announced Wednesday. Both are expected to return in time for the start of the College Football Playoff on Dec. 31, when No. 1 Alabama will play No. 4 Cincinnati in the CFP Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. A statement from coach Nick Saban and head athletic trainer Jeff Allen said of O'Brien and Marrone, "They have very mild symptoms and are home isolating while following all appropriate guidelines." On Monday, Saban told reporters that the team had reinstituted COVID protocols from a year ago, asking team members to wear masks in the facility and social distance during meetings. Saban said that more than 90% of players have been vaccinated and received a booster shot. "Am I concerned?" Saban said of the recent rise in cases and the postponement of NFL games. "I'm always concerned when there's an issue out there, and we want to do...