As buzz around a potential Nick Saban coaching return continues to swirl, “Late Kick Live” host Josh Pate has found himself unexpectedly in the middle of the conversation.
In a lighthearted moment during SEC Media Days, Pate addressed speculation that he may have been the source feeding Greg McElroy with hints that the legendary Alabama coach could return to the sidelines.
His response? A throat slash, a laugh, and a deeper look at how plugged in he is behind the scenes.
Josh Pate Jokes About Being the Source but Emphasizes the Truth About Nick Saban
Pate didn’t shy away when confronted on-air with the question, “Were you Greg’s source for Saban coming back?”
“If I knew that I could tell McElroy stuff and he would just blindly spout, I’d be a source for everything,” Pate said.
While denying any formal role in leaking information, Pate admitted the idea was amusing, especially given how quickly the rumors caught fire.
In true SEC Media Days fashion, the moment turned theatrical when Pate described giving McElroy a playful “throat slash” as he walked past the set.
“It’s a 15-yarder on Saturdays, but you can do it at media days,” Pate joked, emphasizing the chaos that followed once the rumor gained national traction.
Pate clearly wasn’t the leak, but he’s not far removed from the inner workings of college football’s elite circles.
“I knew I was about to walk over to the CBS set and get asked about this Saban thing first,” Pate said.
Inside Access Through a Football-Savvy Partner
While Pate denied being the original source, he acknowledged how closely connected he and his wife are to the sport.
“She was at Bama, Ole Miss with Freeze, LSU with Miles, and even Southern Miss during a rough 0–2 start,” he said, referring to her football operations and recruiting experience.
That kind of exposure, according to Pate, gives him an insider’s view of college football that few media members can claim.
“She comes on the road a lot with me,” he added. “I’ve got good relationships with coaches, but a lot of them recognize her before they recognize me.”
From knowing recruiting timelines to recognizing current stars like Texas’ Colin Simmons from his high school journey, Pate emphasized that he’s surrounded by knowledge every time he watches a game.
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As for Saban, the former Alabama head coach is widely regarded as one of the greatest minds in college football history. With seven national titles, countless All-Americans, and a legacy of unmatched discipline and leadership, any rumor about his return is bound to make headlines.
Whether or not Pate had anything to do with it, his closeness to key players in the sport gives weight to any word he shares.
For now, Pate is sticking to commentary, and maybe a little playful mischief, while the Saban rumors continue to swirl.
