Every player would surely crave a head coach like Kalen DeBoer! The Crimson Tide’s new HC is taking a much lighter approach to shaping his roster, and it’s really starting to show!

On August 23, Alabama’s Director of Sports Medicine, Jeff Allen, gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like on the Bama practice field. Well, this isn’t your typical formal training camp — it’s all mic’d up with a fun vibe, allowing players to relax. And this is getting a thumbs-up from the Alabama team. 

Courtney Morgan and DeBoer praise Jeff Allen

Courtney Morgan, Alabama’s new General Manager, couldn’t help but praise Allen’s approach, writing, “The best in the business! The secret sauce! @makennahsdad #RTR.” Even DeBoer chimed in, saying, “@makennahsdad is elite in every way! Grateful for all you and your staff do to keep our team healthy! 🐘🐘🐘.”

@makennahsdad is elite in every way! Grateful for all you and your staff do to keep our team healthy! 🐘🐘🐘 https://t.co/3pqPbkJnz2

These heartfelt gestures are indeed worth it, especially if you catch the sneak-peek video of Allen in action. He’s seen going around treating players with cold towels during the scorching-hot practices while giving a glimpse into DeBoer’s fall training sessions. “This is like the last 10 minutes before we go on the field for practice. You hear the music blaring, us having a good time with them, trying to get them juiced up a little bit,” Allen explains.

It’s said DeBoer has even shifted practice times from afternoons to early mornings to help players escape the heat and give them more free time for rest. However, with just a few days left before their season opener, Jalen Milroe & Co. are bound to face the intensity of extended practices.

But with this more relaxed, player-friendly atmosphere, the post-Nick Saban era at Bama looks off to a positive start. Even quarterback Milroe’s endorsement of DeBoer shows how much he’s already changed things.

Kalen DeBoer gets Jalen Milroe’s seal of approval

Kalen DeBoer has stepped into Nick Saban’s big shoes, but he’s sure not following Saban’s legendary coaching style to the letter. He is a breath of fresh air for the Alabama players. His calmer energy is really connecting with Jalen Milroe.

Milroe has been singing DeBoer’s praises, particularly for his “nicer” approach. Last month, during an appearance on the Saturday Down podcast, Milroe shared a behind-the-scenes moment highlighting DeBoer’s positive influence. He recalled throwing a “really good” pass and immediately moving on to prepare for the next play. He’s been used to Saban’s intense style for three years. But DeBoer had a different reaction. “I want you to celebrate, I want you to be excited, that was a really good pass!” Milroe remembered DeBoer encouraging him.

In multiple interviews, Milroe has praised his new coach for his player-friendly approach. “He does a really good job of getting to know his players,” he says. He also mentioned how DeBoer even shared his personal number with the players and occasionally brought ice cream trucks to practice sessions. It seems a less intense, more upbeat era is emerging at Bama. The question is whether this new vibe will boost the team or impact their winning streak.