IN PICS: Kim Mulkey “welcomes” Nick Saban to Baton Rouge ahead of LSU vs. Alabama College GameDay coverage

LSU coach Kim Mulkey invited legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban for the Tigers' practice session on Friday. Saban is in Baton Rouge for the LSU vs. Alabama matchup, which ESPN's pregame show "College GameDay" will cover on Saturday. Saban, who is an analyst on the show, also toured around the campus.

Mulkey shared pictures from the meetup on Instagram with the caption:

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"Welcome back to Baton Rouge, Coach! Enjoyed having you stop by shootaround this afternoon to talk ball. Geaux Tigers!"

Before his historic time with the Crimson Tide, Saban spent five seasons in Baton Rouge between 2000 and 2004. After this, he moved to the NFL, coaching the Miami Dolphins for just one season before returning to college football with Alabama.

Kim Mulkey spoke about the football coach's visit in a presser.

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"Say what you want about him, he loves LSU," she said. "And there's a lot of people in this town that are indebted to him and love him. He just wanted to leave to just try to pro game, he didn't leave for another college. It wasn't for him.

"I just have so much respect from afar watching what he does, what he did, how he runs his program with discipline. I couldn't quit asking questions and he made you feel very comfortable. That was a highlight in my coaching career was to meet him. I hope I get to do it again someday."

Nick Saban shares an inspiring speech with Kim Mulkey and the Tigers

The 2024-25 season could be a tricky one for the Tigers, who are without Angel Resse and more experienced players on the roster. After the Elite Eight exit last season, Kim Mulkey is hoping to lead her team to another championship after the win in 2023.

To encourage the LSU players, Nick Saban gave his trademark fiery speech, asking the squad to focus on their efforts as results would surely follow after.

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"I know winning is important," Saban said, "but being able to stay focused on the things that help you win, which is what I call 'The Process,' is more important than anything. Then, you transfer that into your life, you'll have a tremendous amount of success and then you'll be happy and self fulfilled, and I think that's the most important thing.

"I'm going to watch how you guys do. I still root for LSU all the time, except for when they're playing Alabama."

Right after this speech, the Tigers squared off against Northwestern State and won 95-36. Flau'jae Johnson led with 24 points, seven rebounds and two assists. With this winning start, the LSU Tigers will be hoping for a good season run.

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