It’s a whole new era for Jalen Milroe & Co. After the GOAT Nick Saban, called it quits in January, the Crimson Tide is navigating uncharted waters. Six national titles under Saban’s iron fist created huge expectations, and now, under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the question on everyone’s lips is: Can the magic last?
Now, DeBoer isn’t trying to be the next Saban. He’s got his own style, a style that seems to be clicking with the players. Even quarterback Jalen Milroe sees the difference. “Two different styles,” he said. Then adding, “there’s no right or wrong.”
Milroe spilled the beans on the new vibe in Alabama this weekend after his fall camp. “It’s awesome having Coach DeBoer here, “he gushed. “You know he brings good energy each and every day and what I’m seeing is a lot of the guys is having fun.” But don’t get it twisted. While there’s more laughter on the practice field, the intensity hasn’t gone anywhere. Milroe explained, “We all have a common task which is to be successful. Not to win a championship, but be successful and attacking each and every day and so once you do that, that’s going to build into championships.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Alabama QB Jalen Milroe talks about the team’s dynamic and mindset under Kalen DeBoer 💪 #rolltide #rtr #alabama #alabamafootball #collegefootball #crimsontide pic.twitter.com/ra06aIKdWG
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) August 3, 2024
In just six months, Milroe has become a mini-DeBoer. He’s already picked up the coach’s favorite phrase as he explains his team’s winning culture: “relentless pursuit of continuous improvement and that’s something we have.” Now, it’s a quote that’s as common on DeBoer’s social media as it is in the locker room.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Milroe captured the new vibes perfectly, adding, “We’re all working hard towards a shared goal while also enjoying the journey.” Now, experts, too, give their thumbs up for DeBoer’s new style with the Tides!
Jalen Milroe faces new energy in Crimson Tide
Now Nick Saban was all about old-school discipline. Everything had a place, and players had to be perfect. But, now, Kalen DeBoer is trying something different. He wants his players to be more than just CFB stars. “We want you to be Men of integrity….we want to be family-centered. We want to be brotherhood,” DeBoer says. His core preaching is towards wholesome development as he believes in a combo of “mental toughness and physical fitness.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Even sports experts like Marty Smith are noticing the change. On the ‘Next Round Live’ show, he said DeBoer is smart to create his own style. “The first thing you have to do is go and establish your culture,” Smith said. People who worked for both Saban and DeBoer have told Smith that the “energy walking in the door every day could not possibly be more different.” The expert also cautiously adds, “Not mean to say he’s not intense…but it’s a very different brand of intensity.”
Now, everyone’s curious to see how this new style will work with Jalen Milroe & Co. Already the QB is oozing his new coach’s positivity and things seem to work great for now.