“With Nick Saban’s retirement, things are shifting at Alabama under the leadership of their new head coach, Kalen DeBoer.”
With the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban and the hiring of Kalen DeBoer, the Alabama football program is undergoing significant change for the first time in a long while. In Tuscaloosa, Saban established himself as the greatest college football coach of his era, and perhaps of all time. However, after 50 years in coaching, the 72-year-old Saban decided to retire, leaving behind a legacy that created uncertainty about how the Crimson Tide would navigate a post-Saban era.
Following a brief but rumor-filled coaching search, Alabama’s leadership selected DeBoer, who led Washington to the national championship game in just his second season as head coach. DeBoer, a three-time NAIA national champion, has a career head coaching record of 104-12, with success across various levels and regions of the country.
However, taking the reins from a legend like Saban at a powerhouse program like Alabama is a challenge unlike any DeBoer has faced before. Questions immediately arose about how much DeBoer would change or retain from Saban’s championship blueprint. Thanks to Kennington Smith III of The Athletic, we now have some insight into the adjustments DeBoer has made.
“Practices have been moved to mornings and now include music,” Smith wrote. “Assistant coaches are regularly made available to the media, DeBoer is active on social media, and the No. 0 will be worn for the first time this fall. While these changes may seem minor, they represent a significant departure from the Saban era.
Smith noted that the “energy” within the Crimson Tide program feels “different,” though not necessarily better or worse. Yet, some aspects remain unchanged from Saban’s tenure.
“Despite the highlighted changes, certain elements remain intact, including the famed Fourth Quarter offseason conditioning program and several key off-field staffers in administration, recruiting, and coaching, who have been recognized by Alabama players in their early meetings with DeBoer,” Smith wrote.
Kalen DeBoer takes over for Nick Saban at Alabama
Kalen DeBoer has relatively limited experience as an FBS head coach, having spent two seasons at Fresno State and two at Washington. In contrast, by the time Nick Saban was hired by Alabama, he had already amassed 11 years of FBS head coaching experience at Toledo, Michigan State, and LSU.
However, DeBoer’s track record is undeniable. A native of South Dakota, he achieved a remarkable 67-3 record as the head coach at Sioux Falls, where he won three NAIA national championships in five seasons. Following that success, he spent a decade as an assistant coach, with stints at Southern Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Fresno State, and Indiana.
In January, DeBoer was introduced as Alabama’s new head coach, signing an eight-year contract worth over $10 million per year. At his introductory press conference, he made it clear that his goals for the Crimson Tide are lofty.
“Our goals? To win the SEC and a national championship,” DeBoer stated. “How are we going to do that? With class, integrity, and academic excellence.”
DeBoer, who left a potential national title contender at Washington, said that Alabama is the right fit for him because of the foundation already laid by Saban.
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