Nick Saban caught criticizing Jalen Hurts on hot mic during spring game

If Jalen Hurts wants to open the season as Alabama’s quarterback, he’s going to have to stop frustrating his coach. During the Crimson Tide’s spring game Saturday, Saban was picked up by a hot mic criticizing Hurts’ decision-making after a play.

Saban was upset after Hurts left the pocket to run instead of throwing a pass. The play picked up 26 yards, but that didn’t stop Saban from venting his frustrations. Unfortunately for him, he may have voiced his displeasure a little too close to one of the broadcast microphones.

The “third team QB” Saban references is Mac Jones, who put up better numbers than Hurts during the game.

Hurts finished the day 10 for 37, with 195 yards. He failed to throw a touchdown and was picked off once. Jones wound up sharing MVP honors, throwing for 289 yards, with two touchdowns to one interception during the game.

For what it’s worth, Saban told reporters he wasn’t disappointed in Hurts’ play after the game.

Hurts isn’t competing with Jones for Alabama’s starting job. He’s competing with Tua Tagovailoa, who led the team’s comeback in the national championship game. Tagovailoa did not play in the spring game due to an injured finger.

Saban’s comments come just weeks after he reportedly met with Hurts’ father to discuss a report that Hurts could transfer if he doesn’t win the starting job.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik

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