Since Kalen Deboer has taken over the head coaching duties at Crimson Tide, he has proved himself again and again as the worthy successor of Nick Saban. Be it not letting the players exit in a mass exodus once Nick Saban retired or the official visit weekend proving to be a big hit, DeBoer has been impressive overall. Except for one thing: maintaining recruitment standards. Under Kalen DeBoer’s reign, Alabama has seen more three-star recruits than Nick Saban even considered giving a chance throughout his 17 years at Alabama.

Thanks to DeBoer’s recruitment strategy, the three-star prospects who did not even think about going to Alabama during Nick Saban’s era are signing with the Crimson Tide. Yet, Nick Saban’s eye for talent speaks volumes from his previous recruits like Bryce Young, Amari Cooper, and Julio Jones, the finest talents in the NFL today. Despite all this, Nick Saban has not tried to interfere with or even suggest any major change in DeBoer’s recruitment policy.

All because he has been “very respectful” with DeBoer. During his podcast appearance with Jim Rome, Kalen DeBoer gave his honest verdict on his relationship with ‘the greatest head coach in CFB history‘ since he took over his duties at Alabama. “He’s been amazing,” DeBoer stated.

Speaking about Saban’s non-interference in the recruiting process, DeBoer explained that, “I’m trying to continue to remind him that these guys are the guys that he recruited, for the most part, here and for them to see him. You know, it still means a lot to them well, but he’s just been so respectful, trying to allow me to still make it mine.” For better or for worse, Nick Saban has left the complete reins of Alabama in Kalen DeBoer’s hands.

This attitude of Saban not interfering in DeBoer’s ways is one of the many things that has only increased Saban’s respect in DeBoer’s heart.

Kalen DeBoer’s sincere respect for Nick Saban

Nick Saban did not become ‘the greatest coach in CFB history‘ for winning national championships and for having an eye for talent. It was his genuine connection with each player and staff member that made him an inspiring figure in the Alabama players’ hearts. It was at the beginning of this month that Alabama alum Nick Perkins shared an intriguing story of Nick Saban doing everything in his power to delay a commercial flight just so then Alabama player Dominick Johnson could fly back home for the holidays.

That is how caring Saban was for his players. And that is exactly why Kalen DeBoer rightly iterated “Nick Saban era doesn’t just fade away,” on the June 20 episode of ESPN’s Always College Football with Greg McElroy. DeBoer explained that even though he has implemented some of his ways, the ways of Nick Saban have left an unerasable imprint on the Crimson Tide program, making his job a lot easier. Not only has this been a huge help for him while taking on a responsibility as big as Alabama, but it has also painted a clear picture of how influential a figure Nick Saban is.