Nick Saban is famously technology-averse, but it seems he’s finally embracing one facet of communication that has become second-nature for most people.

The 72-year-old Alabama football coach has often claimed he does not communicate via text message, though it appears that has changed. Georgia coach Kirby Smart, Saban’s most-decorated protégé, let the news slip during an appearance on the SEC Network on Friday.

“I think he’s opened up a little more as he’s gotten more friendly,” Smart said in answer to a question about his relationship with Saban. “He even texted me back for the first time ever this year.”

Wait — Saban is texting? The man himself confirmed he is in fact now a texter.

“I learned how to text simple,” Saban said. “Like, three words. No punctuations, none of that. That’s way beyond my level of expertise.”

Saban was asked again about his texting habits during an appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday. He took the time to clarify that he doesn’t actually initiate text messages, but doesn’t ignore them anymore either.

“I answer texts — short,” Saban said with a chuckle.

Alabama (11-1, 8-0 SEC) faces Georgia (12-0, 8-0) for the SEC championship at 3 p.m. Saturday at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.