Kalen DeBoer says early support from Alabama fan base has 'meant a lot'

New Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer arrived in Tuscaloosa last Friday to a warm welcome from Crimson Tide fans.

DeBoer and his family stepped off the plane at Tuscaloosa National Airport, alongside Alabama AD Greg Byrne, to a loud ovation.

Kalen DeBoer exchanged high-fives with the crowd, which consisted of a couple hundred people, before making his way to a team meeting. He joined the Paul Finebaum show Friday afternoon and shared what it meant to receive such a welcome from the Alabama fan base.

“It shows the support,” DeBoer said. “I think football and football at Alabama, it brings people together. I don’t know if they were expecting to come together at that place on a Friday night a couple of weeks ago, but they were. And it meant a lot for my family and I and was a great way to kick off our time here.”

As DeBoer mentioned, a couple of weeks ago, Alabama fans were expecting Nick Saban to return for the 2024 season. Instead, he opted to retire, leading to a quick coaching search by Byrne.

The search ultimately ended with DeBoer being hired after he led Washington to the national championship game this past season.

Needless to say, it has been a crazy couple of weeks for the new Alabama head coach.

“It’s been a whirlwind but it’s been a fun time,” DeBoer said. “From the championship game to this opportunity. … Just one day at a time, enjoying the moments, enjoying the journey, whether it’s preparing for a semifinal game, a championship. You work to get to those moments, so you don’t necessarily have a chance to enjoy it, but you know it’s special. You pour everything into it. And now this opportunity, as well.”

It obviously won’t be easy for DeBoer to follow a legend like Nick Saban, but he’s confident he can get the job done.

The 49-year-old has won everywhere he has been and believes he can win big in Tuscaloosa, too.

DeBoer shared with Paul Finebaum what his plan has been since taking over the Crimson Tide program.

“You take it one day at a time and you wake up, you roll up your sleeves, you go to work,” DeBoer said. “You put great people around you and you trust and believe you’ve got what it takes. We’re excited about this future. These kid here in this program are special. It’s been awesome getting to meet them over the last few days.”