Jumbo Package: Saban a finalist for AP Coach of the Year, winner announced today

Happy Monday, everyone. There isn’t a ton to report as the Tide continue their traditional camp-style bowl season workouts. The big news of the day is the AP Coach of the Year award, for which Nick Saban is a finalist.

UCF’s Josh Heupel, Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly and Alabama’s Nick Saban are the finalists for The Associated Press national college football coach of the year after leading their teams to unbeaten regular seasons.

The winner will be announced Monday at noon EST.

Saban rarely wins any of these awards as voters hold the talent level against him, somehow discounting the recruiting and player development part of the job that is so critical. Be hopeful, but figure on one of the other two to win.

Tua seems to be on schedule.

-- Tua Tagovailoa was out there doing the same practice load as Friday but without the sleeve on his left ankle. Instead, there was heavy taping on the leg where he suffered the high-ankle sprain two weeks ago.

-- A few of the players were late to the practice field because they were graduating across the driveway in Coleman Coliseum. Jalen Hurts got a standing ovation when receiving his diploma.

Yes, Jalen did. Check it out:

The man is a local hero at this point. It will be interesting to see what happens with him going forward.

Tide players say they are over the Heisman.

Tagovailoa is fighting to get back on the field after suffering a high-ankle sprain two weeks ago against Georgia. They have his back in the locker room.

“That’s our teammate, it’s our brother, our leader,” said safety Deionte Thompson. “So, of course, I feel like everybody wanted him to win. I wanted him to win, but he came up short. It’s nothing personal. Kyler had a great season. Tua did a great job this season. The Heisman Trophy ceremony is over and done with.”

Just get that ring, men.

Maria Taylor challenged Saban to a little hoops competition. Spoiler: the old man won a close one.

Why, it just so happens that you can purchase one of those fancy A-class Mercedes at Nick Saban’s dealership. What a coincidence.

Last, Alabama players tore it up in week 15 of the NFL, starting with Derrick Henry who followed up his breakout game with another huge performance.

Perhaps the Titans and Henry have figured it out. Enjoy these clips of other former Tide stars.

They’re taking over the league, y’all.

That’s about it for today. Have a great week.

Roll Tide.