Saban documentary opens the locker-room view of Alabama’s title-game quarterback switch

ESPN's new Saban documentary has opened a locker-room view of the quarterback decision that changed Alabama's 2018 national championship game. For The Win's report on newly released archival footage describes Nick Saban announcing that freshman Tua Tagovailoa would begin the second half in place of Jalen Hurts after the series' October 8 premiere.

The exchange is part of a game played on January 8, 2018, to finish the 2017 season. Alabama trailed Georgia 13-0 at halftime before Tagovailoa helped the Crimson Tide come back for a 26-23 overtime victory.

For The Win's account of the newly released footage describes Saban recalling a discussion with his assistants before delivering the decision. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll asked who would tell Hurts. Saban then told the room that Tagovailoa would start the half while also discussing using both quarterbacks. The report provides the context for the excerpt now circulating online.

That announcement preceded a second half in which Alabama finally found its passing touchdowns. Tagovailoa finished with 166 passing yards and three touchdown passes, according to Alabama's official game account. His last throw found fellow freshman DeVonta Smith for a 41-yard touchdown in overtime, ending the game on the play after a 16-yard sack.

The result has been replayed for years. The documentary adds access to how the coach communicated the change before the comeback unfolded. It captures a championship decision being delivered to the players involved, giving viewers the locker-room setting behind a familiar highlight.

Saban is a six-part series directed by Russell Dinallo and produced by Words + Pictures. ESPN says it draws on hundreds of hours of previously unseen footage and interviews with more than 70 people. Hurts and Tagovailoa are both among the interview subjects, alongside Saban and his wife, Miss Terry.

ESPN's official trailer introduces the wider documentary.

All six episodes became available on the ESPN App at launch. The television schedule continues with the second episode, Death Valley, on October 15 at 6 p.m. ET. The series covers Saban's wider coaching career, including Alabama, LSU, Michigan State and the Miami Dolphins.