Kalen DeBoer isn’t exactly the GOAT of coaching yet. He might not have seven national titles to his name. And he’s definitely not anything like Nick Saban. However, he’s still a strong leader who can steer the Alabama Crimson Tide to safe waters. 

After Saban retired in January, the former Washington Huskies head coach stepped into his big shoes. Naturally, there are doubts about whether he can live up to Saban’s legendary standards. With Saban now starting his post-retirement role as an ESPN Gameday analyst, many even speculate that he might still offer his peace of mind to his former team. However, some Alabama alums believe it’s time for DeBoer to make his mark without Saban’s shadow looming over him.

On August 24th, the ‘Bama Standard Network’ brought together a panel of experts to discuss the Crimson Tide’s future. Former linebacker Marvin Constant voiced his opinion, saying, “I think he’s gonna let Coach DeBoer be Coach DeBoer.” He added, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. How you gonna be an adviser to something you don’t even know what it’s gonna look like yet?”

Senior analyst Stephen M. Smith echoed this sentiment, believing Saban won’t “overstep” but might “bounce some ideas” if asked. Ex-cornerback Gerald Dixon agreed, noting that Saban’s success came because “people didn’t get in his way.” “I would just hope he can respect the new coaches and new regime just to give his opinion when needed or when asked,” he adds. 

Looks like the consensus is clear here: let Saban enjoy his Gameday analyst role and give DeBoer the space to bring his own energy to Alabama.

Well, Kalen DeBoer also seems ready to lead the Bama roster without simply replicating Saban’s blueprint.

It’s time for new Kalen DeBoer era at Bama

Kalen DeBoer seems to bring a player-friendly vibe to the Baman roster.  His players, especially quarterback Jalen Milroe, are raving about this new energy in their team. Whether it’s exchanging numbers with his players or surprising them with ice cream trucks for motivation, the new head coach is infusing some fun into the team. It seems like Saban’s tough love is being replaced by DeBoer’s just love approach.

While DeBoer isn’t trying to replicate Nick Saban’s intense coaching style, he’s not entirely dismissing the wisdom of the GOAT either. In a podcast last month, DeBoer expressed his gratitude for everything Saban did for Alabama, adding, “He’s been there to help when I needed him to and answer a question here and there.” Looks like DeBoer is just putting his professional face out there. However, he’s not going to let Saban’s influence completely dictate his coaching style.

Even the decision to name a field at Bryant-Denny Stadium after Saban sparked some controversy. Analyst Joshua Perry commented, “If I’m Kalen DeBoer, I don’t like very much of this. Like dawg, this is year one for me, and I feel like there are too many reminders of the guy who just left.” It seems many agree that Saban’s retirement needs to be more than just on paper.