We’re a week removed from Nick Saban shocking the sports world by announcing his sudden retirement from coaching.
Since that stunning day, the Alabama Crimson Tide have moved on and hired former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer as Saban’s replacement.
Now, the question is will DeBoer be able to keep the Tide roster intact???
Watching Kalen DeBoer fill his coaching staff in Tuscaloosa #RollTide pic.twitter.com/rHjpCYXMuf
— Stacey Blackwood (@Blackwood89) January 16, 2024
Alabama has already suffered setbacks in the form of player departures. Wide receiver Isaiah Bond transferred to Texas in what he called a “business decision.”
The Tide have also seen other transfers and a decommitments from the program … However, for the most part, the roster has remained together.
Alabama defensive back DeVonta Smith was strong with his support of DeBoer and made it clear they have no use for the “idiots” who decide to leave…
“He met with me for two hours, and it wasn’t just about football. He wants to get to know us. Any of these cats that are thinking about leaving need to meet with him immediately, and if they still want to leave, then they are idiots and we don’t need them,” Smith said.
DB Devonta Smith on DeBoer:
“He met with me for two hours, & it wasn’t just about football. He wants to get to know us. Any of these cats that are thinking about leaving need to meet with him immediately, & if they still want to leave, then they are idiots & we don’t need them.” pic.twitter.com/rV18jvRI7S— ™ Iท βα๓a ไ ㅜяบรт ™ 𓃰 (@BamaPride4Ever) January 15, 2024
ESPN’s Paul Finebaum shed light on the unique situation during an appearance on McElroy and Cubelic.
According to Finebaum, two programs in particular are gearing up to raid the Tide roster: Texas and Ole Miss…
“There’s no doubt … I’ll say Lane Kiffin probably knows as much about what’s happening in Alabama right now as Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer,” Finebaum said.
“That’s just the way Kiffin operates. So I mean, that’s what I would be doing. And it’s one thing to do it if Nick Saban was a coach, they would still try to do it … It’s another thing dealing with somebody who doesn’t really know how nasty it gets.”
“You’ve got a rare opportunity now if you’re an elite SEC coach, to maybe get that one player, maybe two players who can make a difference in one game which might be the difference between winning and losing a national semifinal,” Finebaum added.
1-15-24 McElroy & Cubelic in the Morning Hour 1: @KalenDeBoer reaction; @finebaum talks @SEC; @dallascowboys lose again https://t.co/IiWVSvZbfZ
— McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning (@macandcube) January 15, 2024
What are your thoughts on Finebaum’s comments?
Do you think Kiffin and Sarkisian are trying to pounce behind the scenes?
Taking a step back, what do you think of the DeBoer hire? … Is he the right man for the job in Tuscaloosa???
Welcome to Coleman! 🐘@KalenDeBoer #RollTide pic.twitter.com/ML6yhbchal
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) January 17, 2024