Eli Gold, who revealed he’ll be breaking in a new color analyst this year on the Alabama football broadcast, said Thursday it was “quite the surprise” Nick Saban mentioned him during the coach’s Wednesday press conference.

“When I saw that and heard that, I was absolutely shocked,” Gold told me during his weekly appearance on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 in Mobile. “We get along great, coach and I do. We’ve worked together now for nearly two decades. We’ve built up a very nice relationship, a good working relationship.”

On Wednesday, Saban told reporters he’s excited to have Gold back on the air.

“I love Eli,” Saban said. “He’s been with us for a long time, he’s kind of part of the tradition around here in terms of the expectation of being the voice of the Crimson Tide Network in a lot of ways, whether it’s the radio show or whatever it is. I’m just happy for him and his family that he’s getting healthier.”

Gold was at practice Wednesday and said he talked “briefly” with Saban, saying he doesn’t like to interrupt him at practice.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Gold wouldn’t reveal his new partner was but gave a clue.

“It’s a former quarterback,” Gold said of the new color analyst. “I don’t want to take my boss’ thunder away because he needs to make the announcement.”

Since Gold’s remark, AL.com has learned current Crimson Tide Sports Network analyst Tyler Watts is expected to fill the role.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.