“A Lot of These Guys Came… Because of Him”: Kalen DeBoer Credits Nick Saban’s Influence for Attracting Competitive Squad to Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide remained among the most successful college football programs under former head coach Nick Saban. But when he announced his retirement after 17 seasons, which culminated in 206 wins, nine SEC championships, and six national titles, hopes were crushed even when Alabama announced hiring their new head coach, Kalen DeBoer.

The former Washington head coach may have much to prove, considering he’s replacing one of the winningest college football head coaches ever. Given the endorsement from Nick Saban himself, Kalen DeBoer is full of hope and confidence, and he’s prepared to carry on Saban’s legacy in Alabama. But for him, everything that his current program is, Saban always made it possible.

Kalen DeBoer lauds Nick Saban for the talents at Alabama

In a recent exclusive interview with On3’s Andy Staples on YouTube, Kalen DeBoer shares his honest views on Nick Saban. He credits the 72-year-old GOAT in college football coaching history with accumulating a winning culture comprising elite players. He said in a statement, “A lot of these guys came to this program because of him. There’s some special players, special athletes here, and that connection—I want that to always exist, and that’s been pretty special up to this point.”

When Nick Saban suddenly announced his retirement, he couldn’t see anyone better than Kalen DeBoer to take his place. He said of DeBoer in a statement released by Alabama, “He has a proven track record of success and is one of the brightest football minds.” 

Alabama’s new head coach, on the other hand, is poised to remain unflinching despite the pressure to lead one of the most successful programs in college football. He said, “The tradition will continue.” His determination shows that nothing will stand in his way to dampen his spirit to continue what Saban has left behind. 

Kalen DeBoer is confident to take the reins from Nick Saban

Kalen DeBoer may still have a lot to prove, but his record as the head coach at Washington proves he is the perfect replacement for Saban. Under his two-season leadership, the Huskies went 25-3 and won the 2022 Alamo Bowl and 2023 Pac-12 title, which led to a CFP appearance. In his head coaching career at Sioux Falls, Fresno State, and UW, his record is a pristine 104-12.

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The 49-year-old may not have coached an SEC program before, but his winning record sparks hope for Alabama. When Saban retired, the program lost several key players, including Caleb Downs and Isaiah Bond. But after embracing his new role with the Crimson Tide, DeBoer compiled the No. 2 overall class for 2024, according to 247Sports. It remains a mystery as of now as to how he would steer the program this season. But one thing is for sure—he’s fixated on maintaining the Alabama tradition.

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