Kalen DeBoer reveals how often he uses Nick Saban as resource: ‘We want him to always feel part of this’

Nick Saban’s DNA is in Alabama football. In a conversation with On3’s Andy Staples, Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer revealed how the program has continued to utilize the hall-of-fame head coach’s knowledge.

“It’s kind of been periods of time. Early on, there was a lot [conversation]. And then, there was no back and forth,” DeBoer said. “He’s certainly had a chance to be with some of our staff here and there. I know people are well-aware that Kane [Wommack] and the defense have utilized his thoughts.

“Some of the transition of helping our guys understand certain things might be even translation of, ‘Hey, you called it this. This is what we call it.’ So, boom, the light switch goes on. I know it goes much more in depth on what he can help us with, and we bounce things off of him. He wants this program to be great. There’s no doubt about it.”

DeBoer couldn’t ask for a better mentor to have on speed dial. 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.

Kalen DeBoer aims to honor Nick Saban’s legacy

“I know that we can certainly pick up the phone and give him a holler,” DeBoer said. “We want him to always feel a part of this because a lot of these guys came to this program because of him. There’s some special players, special athletes here and that connection, we want that to always exist.”

Alabama certainly lost some of those athletes this offseason. The Crimson Tide have lost 28 players in the transfer portal since the end of the season, including standouts such as 2023 SEC Newcomer of the Year Caleb Downs.

Nonetheless, Alabama hasn’t allowed itself to become a victim. The program has added eight players in the portal, many joining DeBoer in his transition from Washington. With young and old blood working together, Alabama has no shortage of coaching expertise for future members of the Crimson Tide.