Kalen DeBoer recalls first learning of mutual interest between him, Alabama

It didn’t take long after Nick Saban announced his retirement for Alabama to reach out to Kalen DeBoer. Saban revealed Wednesday that he planned to step down after 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa, and DeBoer was hired Friday.

On the heels of leading Washington to an appearance in the national championship this season, DeBoer took the podium to be introduced as the Crimson Tide’s next coach. He revealed that he had an inkling he could be a candidate as soon as Saban made his announcement.

“I think it was, you know, the announcement and later that evening, and understand I hadn’t didn’t even (gotten) a chance to talk to Greg (Byrne) at that time yet, but just that there might be an interest,” DeBoer said. “It’s not even the rumors and things that you hear and see. You hear about them quickly, right? Because everyone’s paying attention to it. It gets to you in a lot of different ways.”

DeBoer was among a number of names thrown out in speculation to replace Saban at Alabama, along with Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian. The Crimson Tide reached out to him by Thursday, just one day after Saban announced his retirement.

Things moved swiftly after that conversation as it appeared Alabama had found its man. DeBoer said getting an opportunity to speak with athletic director Greg Byrne gave both sides confidence they were on the same page as he prepared to take the reigns of the program.

“The opportunity and planning to get a chance to meet on Thursday, I think, was something that, you know, I was really excited about,” the coach explained. “I think what I really always hoped for in these situations is yes, I mean, this is a spot I wanted to be, but I think most importantly, it’s about making sure that my values are the same values that Alabama has and the process and the things that I want are the same things that Alabama wants. And making sure that Greg and I jived in a way where you know, we feel great about locking arms and taking on the fights together.

“And I saw that when I met with him. I feel extremely confident in how passionate is he about Alabama and everything that happens here, and so I can’t wait to go through this journey. I talk about journey a lot. It means a lot to me because I think that’s what we’re all on.”

DeBoer has big shoes to fill as Saban led Alabama to six national championships in his 17 years at the helm. However, there is confidence he can keep the winning tradition of the program alive after the quick turnaround he oversaw at Washington.

The Huskies went just 4-8 in the year prior to DeBoer’s arrival and went 11-2 to win the Alamo Bowl. He followed that up with a 13-0 record this season that included a Pac-12 Championship and trip to the College Football Playoff. There Washington defeated Texas in the semifinals before falling to Michigan in the title game.

Alabama fans can only hope he’ll see the same level of success in Tuscaloosa. As a new era arrives, there’s certainly plenty to be excited about at the moment.