Nick Saban corrects Shane Gillis over comedian's joke that coach oversaw cheating during storied tenure at Alabama

In January, Nick Saban shocked the college football world by announcing he would be sidelined. Saban officially joined ESPN shortly after the legendary coach retired.

Saban primarily works as an analyst for the network's long-running and popular pregame show, College Gameday, but he also contributes to coverage of the NFL Draft and appears on other ESPN shows and platforms. There is. The final segment of a “College GameDay” episode typically features a celebrity guest who selects some of the upcoming games.

Comedian Shane Gillis was selected as a guest picker on Friday. But at one point during the appearance, one of the funnyman's jokes seemed to irritate Saban.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

In discussing the current state of college football, Gillis referenced the relatively new “equivalence” that exists in the sport. But in his statement, Gillis claimed that Saban, or perhaps the entire Alabama football program, orchestrates or turns a blind eye when players receive improper payments. It seems like I did.

Alabama ad asks fans to donate to Nil Collective to stay competitive: 'We must respond'

“It feels different. I feel like we can win,” Gillis said. “It's equality. Now that everyone can pay their players, Notre Dame has a chance. It's not just the SEC, it's not Coach Saban,” Gillis said at the time. The multiple-time champion coach was not there.

Comedian Shane Gillis is shown before the Indiana vs. Notre Dame game on December 20, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

But fellow ESPN college football analyst Pat McAfee eventually reminded Gillis of his remarks.

“You've called him a fraud before,” McAfee pointed out.

Gillis said he made the comment in jest, but Saban appears to be angry at suggestions that players under his watch were improperly compensated.

“I was just joking,” Gillis said. “I don't think the SEC paid the players. Just kidding. Isn't this a fun show?”

Nick Saban speaks at ESPN's “College Gameday” in South Bend, Indiana on December 20, 2024. (Michael Crabb/South Bend Tribune/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Gillis eventually drew attention to Saban's attire, specifically the retired coach's hat.

“Alabama Jones is serious,” Gillis joked, apparently referring to the hat that has become synonymous with the fictional character Indiana Jones.

Saban then responded candidly to Gillis' joke about how he ran the Alabama program during his 17-year tenure.

“I believe in integrity, and I've always tried to run the program that way so our players have a better chance of success in life,” Saban said. “We make more money in the NFL than any other school, and we have 61 players in the league. That's how we cheated. That's how we developed players.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Saban won six national titles during his storied tenure in Tuscaloosa. Before taking the head coaching job at Alabama, Saban led the LSU Tigers to the BCS National Championship Game after the 2003 regular season.

Follow sports coverage on Fox News Digital on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.