It sure does take a lot to get up there and mark yourself as the next Nick Saban. And it looks like Kalen DeBoer is all ready to prove to all why he’s the most deserving of the title. On The Next Round, on July 17th, DeBoer happily said, “Oh yeah, ain’t no doubt. I’ve had it every way. It’s fun being selected as the top dog and just knowing you’re going to take everyone’s best shot, and I think that’s going to be the case at Alabama, anyway. But it’s also fun to try to prove people wrong.” The Crimson Tide had a solid recruitment before the season, with the entry of new staff members and top players like Ty Haywood and Caleb Cunningham.

Looks like all eyes are gonna be on Bama’ as DeBoer gets his offensive machine ready for 2024. Jalen Milroe, the star player for Alabama, has himself picked DeBoer’s coaching style over Saban’s. “As a quarterback, you know he’s an offensive mind, so I’m able to grow each and every day with him,” Milroe said regarding DeBoer’s offensive mindset during his interview on Next Up with Adam Breneman. Even Josh Pate drew parallels between the coaching Michael Penix Jr. got under DeBoer and now Milroe is getting. “Kalen DeBoer turned that guy (Penix Jr.) into like a full-on assault weapon through the air. What happens if all of a sudden you turn on maybe October, November, and you’re looking at Jalen Milroe and go, ‘Whoa, dude, this dude’s way different caliber passer than he was last year,” Pate mentioned with full excitement. 

It is no doubt that DeBoer’s existing track record is all a fan needs to under why he is often called the “next Saban”. However, the 2024 season will see the rise of another HC who could potentially take away the title from DeBoer. The student who defeated the teacher, Kirby Smart.

The perfect opponent

How do you counter the “best offense in the country”? With the best defense in the country. Enter Kirby Smart, mentored by Nick Saban himself and touted as “The next Nick Saban” by Paul Finebaum. Taking on the Bulldogs headed by Kirby Smart would be the perfect title redemption match for DeBoer. Kalen DeBoer has already made his mark with Alabama by changing the entire strategy of the team. “We will be explosive, I can promise you that,” he mentioned in an interview. With a revamped offensive line with Milroe, Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan, and Austin Mack leading the charge, Alabama will be a force to reckon with this season.

But the Bulldogs will be there standing guard. Having been taught by the best (Nick Saban) and also defeating him in the SEC national championship back in 2022. Kirby Smart is all set for 2024. Now only time will tell if the Bulldogs get washed away by the Tides or if the Tides fail to make it to the shore.