Nick Saban shares message of support for Alabama, Kalen DeBoer amid recent struggles

Nick Saban shared a message of support for the Alabama Crimson Tide and coach Kalen DeBoer amid the program’s recent struggles throughout the start of the 2024 campaign.

Of course, Saban’s in a unique position to analyze the Crimson Tide, one season removed from taking the program to the College Football Playoff. However, after Alabama’s second loss of the season at the hands of Tennessee in Week 8, Saban preached a message of continued support in Tuscaloosa.

“I don’t really analyze Alabama. I never take the lead. I’m a fan now, so I think the message that I would give to everybody is the most important thing that all of us can do as fans for Alabama is to be supportive,” Saban told the media, via an appearance at the Monday Morning Quarterback Club in Birmingham, per The Next Round. “Support the program, support the players, support the coaches, and if we want to have — that will enhance us to be able to have the best solution and transition, because it’s always a difficult transition when you have a fairly successful program.

“Somebody else comes in and it’s very challenging, so I’ve been very supportive of the players, the coaches, the team and the university in every way that I can, and I want to continue to do that, and I would encourage others to do the same.”

As for DeBoer, many championed him as a worthy successor to Saban after he led the Crimson Tide to a win over Georgia. Since then, losses to Vanderbilt and the aforementioned Volunteers, with a narrow victory over South Carolina sandwiched in between, has many wondering if he’s as viable an option as originally thought.

Saban was asked to give DeBoer a message following the Crimson Tide’s struggles in 2024: “Just stay focused on what you have to do to try and make the team better,” Saban responded. “Look, I’m not going to get in a position to judge anybody. I’m a fan now. I want the team to do well, and I want the fans to support the team the best they can.”

While Alabama fans love their Crimson Tide, it’s certainly tough for them to stomach how the program has responded in the first season without Nick Saban. Perhaps they’ll turn it around, but it needs to happen sooner rather than later, that’s for sure.