The crimson cape was hung by Saban but will it be adorned by Kalen DeBoer anytime soon? That is the question that lurks in the thoughts of every Alabama fan as they reminisce about the good old glory days. The trophy case of Tuscaloosa has been idly collecting dust since 2020 and now that the dawn of a new age begins, DeBoer is set to lead the charge. Alas! He keeps receiving iceberg after iceberg as he tries to save the Titanic, that is the Alabama Crimson Tide these days.

Kalen DeBoer sits atop a throne that was built from the brick and mortar that Nick Saban laid. But after retiring this year, they chose the former coach for the Huskies as his successor. It almost seems like a string of ill omens that DeBoer’s newest team keeps getting smaller. Nick Saban‘s retirement was announced on 10th January and by the 19th, 10 Alabama players entered the transfer portal with some of the biggest names like- Caleb Downs, Isaiah Bond, and Kadyn Proctor. Concerns are being raised about DeBoer’s capabilities and his power to retain team members as the recent member to leave the team is none other than Brandon Rose.

Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama loses yet another vital addition

On the 26th July episode of the 104.5 ESPN podcast, Matt Moscona took to the mic to unleash his closeted fury towards Alabama and was hell-bent on proving his opinion of ‘Saban’s dynasty coming to an end.’ In recent news, Alabama’s recruiting specialist Brandon Rose has been acquired by the Wisconsin Badgers and will be given the role of AD of player/personnel.

Seeing as how so many players and members of the staff continue to depart, the water seems to be rising above the waist for DeBoer and Moscona had strong words to highlight that. He said, “They’re all leaving Tuscaloosa. It’s burning, the smoldering flames just continue to burn the rubble of the ground right now. It’s gone, it’s over, you dorks and losers who believe. I’ve been trying to tell you for months and months and months. Your 5-star recruit Julian Sayin left, he’s at Ohio State. Your number one safety, Caleb Downs, is also at Ohio State. Every chance that I get, I’m gonna remind you that your flipping dynasty is over.”

With all due respect to the legendary Nick Saban, just because his era has ended, doesn’t mean that a new one can’t possibly take birth under the leadership of Kalen DeBoer. Hypothetically, it could also go on to be bigger than Nick Saban, but DeBoer needs to be given a fair shot at proving himself. With that said, here’s what DeBoer had to say about all the expectations that he’s standing on and how he means to respect Saban’s legacy.

Kalen DeBoer on Nick Saban’s legacy

Amid all the doubts that surround DeBoer, here’s a look at some of his phenomenal numbers. He has coached a total of 116 games in his career, out of which, he has won 104. That amounts to a total of a staggering .896 winning percentage. This should tell everyone that DeBoer isn’t really a stranger to winning, just like how Nick Saban was.

And as for his legacy, this is what DeBoer had to say during the SEC Media Days. He said, “I understand there’s only one Coach Saban. There will only ever be one Coach Saban. There’s so much blood, sweat, and tears, whether it’s the players and the alumni that have been in this program, or coaches — and obviously referring to Coach Saban. So much is put into this place. We all have alma maters. We all have places that we have great pride in, and you always want that to be home. We always want to make those people proud of their alma mater and the work that’s been put in to set this program up for success.” Thus, DeBoer wants nothing better than to honor the legacy of Saban and prove worthy of being his successor to the fans without trying to take anything away from the values and traditions of the team. Though it’s a shaky boat so far, it might just make it to the shore with a national championship trophy this year.