Nick Saban's Decision to Bench Jalen Hurts in 2018 Championship Revealed in New Documentary

Newly released footage from the ESPN documentary "Saban" offers a behind-the-scenes look at legendary coach Nick Saban's pivotal decision to bench then-starting quarterback Jalen Hurts in favor of Tua Tagovailoa during halftime of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game.

The documentary includes a clip of Saban informing his coaching staff of the planned change, during which then-offensive coordinator Brian Daboll questioned who would deliver the news to Hurts. Saban responded, "Does that mean you want me to tell him?"

Later footage shows Saban in the locker room, addressing both quarterbacks. He told Tagovailoa, "We’ll choose as we go, but you’re gonna start the second half, and then we’re gonna play two guys." Saban, in a sit-down interview, explained that the decision was not impulsive. "No, it was calculated," he stated. "I thought about it for two months."

At the time of the switch, Alabama trailed Georgia 13-0 at halftime, with Hurts having thrown for only 21 yards. The change proved instrumental in Alabama's comeback victory, with Tagovailoa leading the team to a 26-23 overtime win, securing the national championship with a touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith.

In the documentary, Hurts also reflects on the moment, stating, "I can’t say that I was surprised," before pausing. Saban characterized Hurts as a competitor who wants to play and perform well, a sentiment he believes is common among athletes.