Nick Saban made light of Shane Gillis' viral 'cheater' joke on College GameDay last week, before launching into a hilarious diss at the comedian.
Gillis, a huge Notre Dame fan, joined Pat McAfee on the ESPN show before his team's big game against Indiana and couldn't resist the opportunity to mock legendary former Alabama coach Saban on the panel.
Speaking with McAfee about his hopes for Notre Dame, the Tires star said he “felt different” because “now that everyone can pay their players, Notre Dame has a chance.” Not just the SEC and Coach Saban.
In an awkward exchange, Gillis referred to Saban as 'Alabama Jones' (a joke about his hat making him look like Indiana Jones) before the college football great became defensive.
“I believe in integrity,” Saban said before adding: 'I always tried to run the program that way, so that the players would have the opportunity to be more successful in life.
'That's how we cheated. “We develop players.”
Nick Saban Downplays Viral Shane Gillis 'Cheater' Joke on College GameDay
Gillis joked that the legendary Alabama coach used to pay his players in the past.
A week after the icy moment, the 73-year-old was questioned about Gillis during an appearance on McAfee's weekly sports talk show on ESPN.
And his response left McAfee and the team in the lead.
“He was trying to be funny, and I understand that,” Saban said. 'My daughter Kristen loves it. So that gives me some comfort that someone in our family likes that guy.
Saban stepped down as Alabama's coach earlier this year at the age of 72 after an iconic 17-year tenure.
He won a total of seven national championships and coached more Heisman winners than anyone in history.
Fans watching at home loved the tension between Saban and Gillis last week.
“Seeing how angry Shane Gillis just made Nick Saban, while Nick was wearing that hat, is the pinnacle of comedy,” said one fan on X.
Another wrote: 'Incredible TV moment. Just when I didn't think I could love Shane Gillis more, he went and called the GOAT “Alabama Jones.” Coach Saban also responded perfectly.”
A different comment read, “Shane Gillis calling Saban 'Alabama Jones' made me laugh,” while another fan noted the tension between the two men.
“You know Nick Saban hates the Shane Gillis vibe,” they wrote.
McAfee himself also seemed to enjoy the moment, tweeting it with the caption: “You're a bad guy, Shane Gillis.”