In a defining moment for the University of Alabama’s football program, President Stuart Bell ushered in a “new chapter” on Saturday with the introduction of Kalen DeBoer as the 28th head coach. The Associated Press Coach of the Year, DeBoer steered Washington to the recent College Football Playoff National Championship game.
Before delving into DeBoer’s vision, Bell took a moment to acknowledge the departure of coaching legend Nick Saban, who claimed the AP award twice and secured six national championships during his remarkable 17-year stint at Alabama.
Saban, a towering figure in college football with a record of 307-88-1 and seven national titles, sat in the front row wearing a crimson sports coat. The atmosphere inside Bryant-Denny Stadium was charged with emotion, evident in the full-throated ovation interrupting Bell’s speech.
DeBoer, acknowledging Saban’s enduring impact, praised him as “the best in the business to ever do it” and emphasized Saban’s continued involvement moving forward. DeBoer, at 49, brings an impressive coaching pedigree, clinching back-to-back Pac-12 Coach of the Year awards at Washington.
Reflecting on the hiring process, athletic director Greg Byrne expressed gratitude to Saban and hinted at a future celebration for the departing coach. With a statue of Saban standing as a testament to greatness, the expectations for DeBoer were unmistakably high.
DeBoer, a South Dakota native, recognized the challenge ahead, stating, “When I look at places I want to be, it’s about winning championships. That’s the expectation, and [I] accept [that] as a privilege to try to uphold.”
Having last been at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2017 with Fresno State, where he served as offensive coordinator in a 41-10 loss to Alabama, DeBoer joked about the less-than-ideal memory. However, his trajectory shifted positively as head coach at Fresno State, catching Byrne’s attention with a 12-6 record over two seasons.
Byrne, who meticulously prepared for Saban’s eventual retirement, described the process of finding a successor. He highlighted his close collaboration with Saban, meeting every Sunday during the season. When Saban announced his retirement, Byrne swiftly embarked on the search, with DeBoer emerging as the clear choice within 49 hours, surpassing the initial 72-hour timeline.
Addressing the challenge of succeeding a legend, DeBoer acknowledged the urgency to win over the current roster, especially considering the potential impact of the transfer portal. Meeting with players immediately upon arriving in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer recognized the players’ desire to continue the Alabama football tradition and emphasized building strong connections.
As DeBoer navigates his journey at Alabama, Byrne emphasized the importance of finding a coach comfortable in their own skin, viewing the opportunity as a challenge rather than a detriment. Speaking to reporters, Byrne expressed understanding of the narrative surrounding the reluctance to follow a legend like Saban but emphasized that DeBoer and his wife, Nicole, viewed it as a “wonderful opportunity.” The journey ahead for DeBoer at Alabama promises excitement and challenges, with both coach and players eagerly anticipating the chapters yet to unfold.