Kalen DeBoer recounts first phone call with Nick Saban after being hired

Kalen DeBoer has a direct line to Alabama royalty, and he isn’t afraid to pick up the phone. During an appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” the newly-hired Alabama head coach revealed how Nick Saban has already mentored him.

“I actually called him right when I was taking the job,” DeBoer said. “It was just really cool to hear how humble he was, talking about even coach [Bear] Bryant and how he was trying to build on on top of that. You can certainly tell that he just wants this program to continue to take the steps forward.

“I always want to make sure he knows he’s welcome here. He’s always going to be a critical piece of this program’s history and tradition. I’m gonna make sure he gives me one or two tips and pointers every time he walks on the practice field to come watch us. That’d be pretty foolish not to have a legendary coach like Coach Saban here helping us with that whatever he’s got.”

DeBoer couldn’t ask for a better mentor. After taking over the reins in 2007, Saban led the Crimson Tide to six national championships, including three titles in the College Football Playoff era.

He nearly added another trophy to his collection this season, falling to Michigan in overtime in the CFP semifinal. The 72-year-old head coach also won a national title at LSU prior to his time in Tuscaloosa.

Saban won 201 games at Alabama — tied with Vince Dooley (Georgia) for the second-most wins at a single school in SEC history. Saban only trails Bear Bryant, who won 232 games in his 25 seasons with the Crimson Tide. Despite his endless accolades, Saban is always willing to help.

“Every time I’ve called him, he’s picked up the phone. And it’s been quite often,” DeBoer said with a smile. “I’m trying to give him some space and let him enjoy his time, but I know he sees my number come in and knows that I’m looking for maybe a little bit of advice or just a talk through something, and he’s just been awesome in every way.

“I know he’s gonna gonna continue to do that. I can just feel that’s what he’s all about.”

It’s no surprise Saban has been so willing to help DeBoer. After all, he was personally involving in the search for his successor. DeBoer received Saban’s lofty stamp of approval.

“He has a proven track record of success and is one of the brightest football minds,” Saban wrote in a statement. “Coach DeBoer has an excellent understanding of what it takes to be a successful head coach, whether it’s coaching, recruiting, developing players, or building a culture.

“He has done a fantastic job at every stop of his coaching career, and I am excited to see what he will be able to accomplish in Tuscaloosa. Terry and I will be here to support Coach DeBoer and his family with anything they need.”