Kalen Deboer Dubbed “Doctor Ordered” Coach for Jalen Milroe, Despite ‘No Nick Saban’ Strategic Pressure

How the tables seem to have turned for Alabama Crimson Tide’s new HC. Despite carrying the heavy burden of Nick Saban’s legacy, Kalen DeBoer stands out to be the “doctor-ordered” coach for Jalen Milroe. As pointed out by J.D. Pickell in the On3 podcast, Milroe and DeBoer are expected to gel well together. Yes, it might be difficult for fans to accept this player-coach duo working out. What stands here as the biggest roadblock is the difference between DeBoer’s ex-student, Washington Huskies’ Michael Penix Jr., and the newly enrolled student, Milroe. But Pickell ensures to highlight how it’s going to work out in the long run. 

Josh Pate too highlighted that DeBoer’s every move will be scrutinized since Alabama swears by only three words “Saban never faded”. With DeBoer freshly coming off from the Huskies, his adaptability with his ex-team’s QB Penix Jr. is much stronger as compared to Milroe. However, this difference will not come in the way of the new player-coach duo. Last season’s inconsistency seemed to have plagued the QB’s performance. But Milroe has nothing to worry about as Pickell’s analysis points to something positive. “Jayen Milroe’s issue quote unquote inconsistency I think can be met by one of Kalen DeBoer’s strengths in terms of how they scheme up the offense and create consistent opportunities for Jalen Milroe to throw the football,” claimed the analyst. With this, apart from being Saban’s successor, DeBoer gets a new tag, “I think Kalen DeBoer is exactly what the doctor ordered to improve his consistency as a passer.”

Mind you nothing can be predicted since the DeBoer-Milroe duo will pounce into on-field action for the very first time in history. Hence Pickell points out why the first time could prove to be lucky, “Jalen Milroe never having a coordinator like Kalen DeBoer or playing in an offensive scheme like Kalen DeBoer, keep in mind now too Kalen DeBoer has never had a weapon at quarterback like Jalen.” DeBoer too is hopeful of making a successful debut overturning the ‘No Nick Saban’ narrative using Milroe as his trump card. 

Milroe’s development left DeBoer thrilled

DeBoer spoke to the media before teeing off at the Regional Traditional in Birmingham on May 8. After paying the visit the new HC spoke highly about Milroe. As the highest returning Heisman candidate from last season, the QB is expected to feel challenged now that he has an offensive-minded HC. 

However, Milroe made DeBoer proud with the development and progress he recently has put up with. “Whether it be processing and going through progressions and being more disciplined with his footwork, and really paying attention to his footwork — tying the footwork to the timing and just that clock that you need to have in your head as a quarterback.” What might work between the new HC and Milroe is the open communication with Saban. DeBoer has given his words that Milroe and company may contact the coach who hired them if they need any piece of advice.

This transparency in the coach-player relationship is believed to go a long way. DeBoer has done a really good job in the relationship aspect. It’s expected that Milroe too will put in his best efforts to make this skeptical bond work out, embossing DeBoer’s coaching talent.