Kalen DeBoer thanks Nick Saban during Alabama introductory press conference
New Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer had one important man to thank as he was introduced as the new Crimson Tide head coach: Nick Saban.
DeBoer said Saban was the “best in the business” and he’d be a “fool to not ask him” anything while he ventures into his new gig. The former Washington coach was eager to continue what Saban built at Alabama in 2024 and beyond.
Saban sat right in the front row as DeBoer addressed the media and Alabama brass Saturday.
“I could go on and on about the next person I need to thank and show appreciation to and love and you all know who that is, coach Saban,” DeBoer said. “We just talked for the first time yesterday, and I’ve been here a couple times already And, man, I can just feel it in his voice. You know what I’m talking about. You’ve seen it for many years. You know, this place is special. It’s special to him, but it’s special to all of you, because he’s what he’s built it up to be.”
Saban, who won six national titles with Alabama and seven overall, brought that championship mentality to Tuscaloosa. But it’s more than that for DeBoer.
“It’s not just about the championships,” DeBoer said. “I met with the team last night and heard from them and heard why they came here. Okay, a lot of great reasons, all tied to the Alabama brand, the education, playing here each and every Saturday, and the support that they get, but obviously there was a major piece of that where they came here because of Coach Saban and Miss Terry.”
Kalen DeBoer takes baton from Nick Saban at Alabama
DeBoer was Alabama’s top target fresh off leading Washington to the national championship game and a 14-1 record.
“It’s a privilege to be chosen, to be in this role and it’s one I don’t take lightly,” DeBoer said. “And I know that Coach Saban has been working hard to make sure that this program is in a great spot for the next person to take over.
“He hasn’t told me this but I think there’s an intentionality that’s been in place, you know, you kind of figure out and I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but I think you kind of know, at some point, you don’t know when that point is, but you want to make sure it’s in a great place.”
As far as the players are concerned, it can be a jarring change to see Saban retire and a new face come in within the span of 48 hours.
“I want you to put yourself in those guys’s shoes,” DeBoer said. “Okay, the legendary coach that they came to play for and now what’s next? And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them, already multiple meetings last night today with them individually, leadership groups. I know how badly they want to continue the tradition, how they want to do it the right way and them just getting to know me here in just a few hours.
“It’s been a blast and I can’t wait for the journey that lies ahead. But Coach Saban, thank you for all you’ve done for laying the foundation for myself and the rest of this staff that we’ll hire and these players to continue to build on everything you’ve done here. So thank you.”