Kalen DeBoer looks back at unique path to become Alabama's head coach

It took a long time for Kalen DeBoer to get where he is today, even though it took just two days for him to become the next head coach at Alabama. Still, his career and the process in it all led him to believe that a moment like this could be possible for him.

DeBoer spoke about becoming the Crimson Tide’s next coach during an interview with Joel Klatt on ‘Big Noon Conversations’. He said, in hindsight, his past self might have been a little stunned that he was the one to follow after Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. However, based on how he believes, nothing is out of reach to begin with.

“I would have been really surprised, you know, that things obviously worked out to in a special way. But I’d also know that anything is possible,” said DeBoer.

“So, yeah, it would have been a little bit crazy if you’d have said that. But I also know that anything is possible,” DeBoer said.

DeBoer learned that in his first head coaching role. With what he and his program accomplished back in South Dakota. That told him everything he needed to know about what can and can’t be done.

“I learned that way back being at the University of Sioux Falls where a place like that really had no business at one point winning national championships, even at the small college level – doing that, it happening over and over and over again there,” DeBoer said.

From there, DeBoer continued up the ranks over the course of the 2000s. He went from Sioux Falls to Southern Illinois, Eastern Michigan, and Fresno State. He then made his move to the Power Five with stops at Indiana and, most notably, Washington. All that then led to his hiring by ‘Bama in early January which, looking back, wouldn’t have been possible without him giving his best at each of those previous gigs.

“It really wouldn’t have been about reaching that goal if you’d have told me if you do this, this, and this. It would have been just about pouring everything into the moments you’re in at that time,” said DeBoer.

“I think when you start pressing? You see this with players but especially coaches throughout the 20-plus years I’ve been doing this. When they start thinking about what’s next and how their career path right now isn’t in line with other people they compare themselves to? Or it has gone the wrong way for a year or two? That stress level – they’re not enjoying the job,” explained DeBoer. “When you’re enjoying the job, that’s when you do your best work. You know, just things fall into place because your best work is going to lead to success.”

Nobody could have guessed that DeBoer would be leading Alabama Football going into 2024. Now that he is, though, it makes him glad to look back on all that it took to get him to where he is today.

“Anything is possible, you know? I am very blessed, certainly, to be in this spot,” stated DeBoer. “A lot of great things have fallen into place. I’ve been around a lot of great people.”