Kalen DeBoer fully understands pressure, expectations at Alabama ahead of first season

Kalen DeBoer knows what it takes to succeed at Alabama, he just has to actually do it on the field this coming season.

The former Washington coach just won a Pac-12 title and got to the CFP National Championship last year. But that’s the standard in Tuscaloosa, especially following Nick Saban.

DeBoer spoke Wednesday morning regarding those expectations and standards.

“No, I totally get everything that comes with this program and the expectations and you know, that’s why you come here to be a part of that,” DeBoer said on Get Up. “There’s a lot of people that love to be in our shoes, my shoes you know, our players as well and so, you know, you embrace it. You pour into everything that matters as far as getting better each and every day. And, you know, you live with the results. That’s the way I’ve lived every moment of my coaching career. And that’s the way I’ll continue to do it here at Alabama.”

Of course, there are many things DeBoer can take from Saban and how things were done before he arrived. However, with a new coach and staff, comes new ways of doing things.

Still, DeBoer can mix and match things as he sees fit.

“Yeah, you have to be you,” DeBoer said. “You know, taking in all the things that alumni and the great coaches that have gone before me here have done for this program, understanding those traditions that the community has, the fan base have, even within the walls of our program. You embrace all of that. 

“But you have to do it your way, you have to be you, learned that over many years. And you know, have a good feel of what I want that to look like and so fortunate to have a staff that has a similar philosophy as mine, and we’re looking to just take it one day at a time and grow our team together.”

Despite all that, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum put the pressure on DeBoer. Get to the College Football Playoff buddy.“It is enormous Greeny,” Finebaum said. “And I know he’s coming up here in a few minutes and I’d rather not have you show this to him, but he better get to the playoffs. It is that simple. He didn’t take this job to go 8-4 and get a nice Florida bowl trip. Alabama is used to playing in the national championship game. So iv Kalen DeBoer doesn’t make it to the playoffs this year, it’s a bust.”