Jalen Milroe praises new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer for being 'very personable'
Alabama hired Kalen DeBoer as its new head football coach on Jan. 12. The former Washington coach took over for Nick Saban, who announced his retirement two days earlier.
Shortly after landing in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer stood in front of his team, and a small gesture from the new Alabama coach was the first step in what has been a strong relationship for DeBoer and Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe, who detailed that on Get Up.
“Very personable,” said Milroe of DeBoer on Thursday. “I enjoy being around him beyond the coaching. He’s done a really good job of just getting to know the players. With the short time that he’s been there, everyone has built a relationship with Coach DeBoer.
“One thing that spoke out to me with him initially getting there is that everybody on the football team has his phone number. They can communicate with him whenever they want to. He also has, by his office, a room where players can just sit in there and just have downtime and also a time where they can come in and communicate with him on a regular basis whenever they want to talk to Coach.
“That’s been awesome.”
DeBoer has been at Alabama for six months and is gearing up for his first preseason, which starts next week. He brought an impressive resume that features an overall 104-12 record as a head coach at Sioux Falls (NAIA), Fresno State and Washington. After winning three titles at his alma mater, DeBoer led the Huskies to the national championship game last season.
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Unlike Saban, DeBoer’s forte is on the offensive side of the ball, which is good news for Milroe as he enters his second year as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback. DeBoer guided Michael Penix Jr. to a record-setting college career and a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now with DeBoer as his coach, Milroe will look to take the next step in 2024.
“As far as me as a quarterback, he’s offensive-minded,” Milroe said. “He’s pushing me each and every day to be the best quarterback in the country, which is something that is outstanding as far as development and getting me to where I want to go, playing in this field, which is great.”
“Then, as far as the team, it’s a very different coaching style as far as Coach Saban and Coach DeBoer. But one thing that is consistent and a constant theme is they’re going to push you to be successful. So we’re all confident in Coach DeBoer and just excited for what the future holds.”
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