Out of the blue, Nick Saban retired shortly after the team’s national championship run, which ended with a loss to the Michigan Wolverines. Less than 48 hours after his retirement, Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer stepped in to fill Saban’s shoes, leaving the program in a state of dilemma. 

Many players felt lost and confused by Saban’s sudden retirement after leading the Crimson Tide for 17 years. Several players jumped into the transfer portal, and many feared that their star QB, Jalen Milroe, would follow suit. But the 21-year-old knows that the Crimson Tide is much more than just one sole legendary HC, and that’s where he earned DeBoer’s respect and appreciation.

Speaking from his new office in Alabama, Kalen DeBoer joins Chris and Macon in a new YouTube episode on Green Light with Chris Long on August 19. When he was asked which Alabama player made the biggest impact on him when he first stepped in, his answer was swift. He said, “I mean I took three guys with me to media days and I would really start with those three.” He meant QB Jalen Milroe, OL Tyler Booker, and DB Malachi Moore, who were present with him in Dallas on July 15 during the 2024 SEC media days. 

Still, Alabama’s gem QB made the biggest impression on DeBoer as he said, “Jalen Milroe, just the experience being the quarterback, things that he took the team through the ups and downs, then been steady when all of this transition happened.” DeBoer lauded Milroe for his leadership qualities by holding his team together during the coach transition period and added, “He’s one of the first people I met when I walked into the team room and got a chance to meet the team.” Let’s rewind the time back to January when Kalen DeBoer first arrived in Alabama. 

Jalen Milroe’s commitment to Alabama wins Kalen DeBoer’s respect 

DeBoer mentioned Milroe was among the first people to welcome him to Tuscaloosa. And it didn’t take days for the signal-caller to mull over his decision because the day DeBoer arrived, he proclaimed his commitment to Alabama. Milroe remained level-headed and made waves with his leadership qualities when he shouted “Roll Tide” and “I’m staying” ahead of the team’s introductory meeting with their new HC. 

If anyone could fill in the legacy that Saban left, DeBoer has an impressive coaching record of 104-12. He led the Huskies to a 14-1 record while developing his QB Michael Penix Jr. as a Heisman Trophy contender, ultimately drafted in the NFL as a first-round pick. With the chemistry and mutual respect that DeBoer and Milroe have for each other, Alabama isn’t likely going to fall short of fans’ expectations this season.