There is no one like the GOAT Nick Saban. Alabama Crimson Tide although have paid their farewell to their ex-HC, he is still pulling the strings from behind. And with this new HC Kalen DeBoer’s task gets easier to some extent. After all, he has kept the door open for Saban to drop in with his pro-level pointers. While he is no longer spotted roaming the sidelines of Bryant-Denny Stadium, Crimson Tide knows that their fav mentor is only one call away. Not only through his mentorship, Saban with his top-notch recruiting knowledge reeled in some best of the best talents who would be leading Alabama through the 2024 season. 

As long as Saban was there in Tuscaloosa, the Alabama spirit never ran low. The GOAT knew exactly how to keep the players hooked up to their big goal. And what worked wonders? It’s his ability to focus on the reality. Saban wasn’t a fan of players getting wrapped up in the background buzz instead he was the one to remind them about their greatness to instill self-confidence. 

The GOAT’s unmatched work ethic paired with his meticulous attention to detail during his 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa has set a bar so high for Crimson Tide that it’s difficult to keep up in his absence. But no, if you think that DeBoer is now far removed from the Saban legacy, then you are mistaken. There are few like Kane Wommack, the new defensive coordinator of Crimson Tide who carries with himself Saban’s traits. And what gives Alabama an edge, the coach is still in touch with the GOAT. The DC stated, “I think one of the things that I didn’t expect and didn’t realize is how giving coach Saban is and how good he’s been to me. To have that relationship to be able to draw things upon his experience has really lessened the learning curve for me.”  

And in case the coach fails to get the Crimson Tide wagon moving, Saban is not completely absent. The GOAT is available in an advisory role and has assured, “I don’t go into the building. I don’t try to meddle in what they have to do. But I want them to know I’m there to help them any way I can.” Besides there are some players who are still on the roster who were recruited by THE GREAT.      

Saban’s contribution in bolstering the player’s roster

The first one is the most important returning player Jalen Milroe. The QB had a phenomenal season under Saban. Being under the GOAT’s tutelage, the player had distinguished himself as QB1 by throwing 2,834 yards that in turn resulted in 23 touchdowns and gave him a completion rate of 65.8%. Milroe’s talents had even led the Crimson Tide to bag a victory against Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC championship.

Besides, Milroe another disciple to instill Saban’s strategies under DeBoer is Malachi Moore. The player opted to return for an extra year in Tuscaloosa. He had gained Saban’s trust and was assigned the role of Alabama’s defensive captain. Moore tallied 51 tackles with five for loss and one interception in the 2023 season.  

Both Milroe and Moore have been schooled by Saban himself. Plus the GOAT himself is open for any last-minute suggestions that would propel DeBoer’s squad further towards victory. Can Saban’s quick-fix wisdom turn a Crimson Tide win into a reality? Let your opinion pour in.