Nick Saban: Kalen DeBoer 'an outstanding choice' for Alabama
Alabama officially hired Kalen DeBoer as its next head football coach on Friday evening. The now-former Washington head coach will replace Nick Saban, who retired earlier this week.
Shortly after the Crimson Tide made the hire official, Saban released a statement on DeBoer.
“I want nothing more than to see Alabama football continue to be successful, and Coach DeBoer is an outstanding choice to lead the program,” said Saban in a statement from UA. “He has a proven track record of success and is one of the brightest football minds. Coach DeBoer has an excellent understanding of what it takes to be a successful head coach, whether it’s coaching, recruiting, developing players or building a culture.
“He has done a fantastic job at every stop of his coaching career, and I am excited to see what he will be able to accomplish in Tuscaloosa. Terry and I will be here to support Coach DeBoer and his family with anything they need.”
Saban, 72, announced he was stepping away during a team meeting on Wednesday. Less than 48 hours after he broke the news to the players, marking the end of an unprecedented 17-year run, Alabama announced DeBoer will replace Saban as the Crimson Tide head coach.
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In his nine seasons as a college head coach, DeBoer has won 104 games while only losing 12, which includes a 25-3 record in his two seasons with the Huskies. In 2023, he led Washington to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, won the final Pac-12 championship and recorded the most wins in a single season in program history with 14.
In Alabama’s official release, DeBoer discussed replacing Saban as coach in Tuscaloosa.
“I have always had an incredible respect for Alabama football and its commitment to excellence,” DeBoer said. “The tradition-rich history of this program is unmatched across the landscape of college athletics, and I look forward to continuing that moving forward.
“Following Coach Saban is an honor. He has been the standard for college football, and his success is unprecedented. I would not have left Washington for just any school. The chance to lead the football program at The University of Alabama is the opportunity of a lifetime. My family and I feel truly blessed and look forward to becoming a part of the Tuscaloosa community.”
DeBoer will be introduced in a press conference on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. CT.
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