Nick Saban praises Kalen DeBoer, says Alabama is in 'good hands'

After one of the highest-profile coaching transitions in history, Alabama’s changing of the guard took center stage on Saturday. Kalen DeBoer was on the field for his first A-Day spring game as Crimson Tide head coach while Nick Saban, now happily retired, watches from a box at Bryant Denny Stadium.

Alabama debuted a new look for the spring game with Jalen Milroe launching deep passes as DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan debut the new-look offense. There have been some other changes around the program since the greatest of all-time headed off into the sunset.

Saban’s still present, though, and spoke to the Alabama players before the game. Based on his observations, the Crimson Tide are in a strong spot with their new head coach.

“Kalen’s a great coach,” Saban told ESPN’s Molly McGrath. “I know there’s been some disruptions based on me leaving, him coming. But he’s gonna do a great job. The players are in good hands, and I think they’ll do a great job of recruiting. Probably need to get some guys out of the portal like everybody else at this time of year, but I’m excited for the future.”

After DeBoer took over at Alabama, he made it clear he wanted Saban to still have a presence in some way, shape or form. The legendary coach still has an office at Bryant Denny Stadium, although he made it clear in February he didn’t want to fly too close.

But even in the early days of DeBoer’s tenure before spring practice officially began, he impressed Saban.

“I really tried to stay at arm’s length – I don’t want them to think I’m looking over anyone’s shoulder,” Saban said. “I think he’s hired a good staff and I think he’s a good man, I think he’s a great coach. And I think he’ll do a really good job.”

Kalen DeBoer: Nick Saban ‘wants this program to be great’

It’s safe to say, Saban will continue to hear from DeBoer as he goes through his first year at Alabama and beyond.

“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.”