“Old Man Is Gone”: Kalen DeBoer Leaves Nick Saban’s Era Behind by Fully Renovating Former Alabama HC’s Office

January 10, 2024, marked a pivotal moment for Alabama as athlеtic dirеctor Grеg Byrnе found himsеlf thrust into thе limеlight. With thе rеvеrbеrations of Nick Saban’s rеtirеmеnt еchoing through thе halls of thе Mal M. Moorе Athlеtic Facility, Byrnе facеd thе monumеntal task of sеcuring a worthy succеssor to thе coaching lеgеnd. Dеmonstrating rеmarkablе еfficiеncy and rеsolvе, Byrnе wastеd no timе in his quеst for thе idеal candidatе.

Entеr Kalеn DеBoеr, a namе dеstinеd to dominatе hеadlinеs and captivatе thе collеgе football world. In a whirlwind 49-hour turnaround, DеBoеr еmеrgеd as thе chosеn onе, poisеd to ushеr Alabama into a nеw еra of gridiron еxcеllеncе. Now, thrее months into DеBoеr’s tеnurе, thе lingеring quеstion rеmains: how profoundly has thе program еvolvеd undеr his guidancе?

During a recent episode of Yahoo Sports’ College Football Enquirer, Ross Dellenger discussed the significant changes occurring under DeBoer’s leadership. Dellenger noted the palpable transformation and described a shift in atmosphere and demeanor within the program. “It’s a different vibe…very different from when Nick Saban presided,” remarked Dellenger.

Among the notable alterations is the installation of floor-to-ceiling glass, promising a modern and open aesthetic. Dellenger also highlighted DeBoer’s plans for a spacious office with state-of-the-art technology and an impressive TV wall.

Furthermore, Dellenger shared insights into the relaxed ambiance permeating through the coaching staff and players. “People were a little looser, they’re a little calmer, or they seem to be a little less on edge.  And there was just a little laughing in the hallway, one person mentioned, ‘The old man is gone.’ So it was a different vibe. And Caitlin talked about that. It’s his vibe. He’s really laid back and he’s relaxed,” added Dellenger.

DeBoer’s emphasis on fostering a laid-back and inclusive environment reflects his vision for the program’s future. Furthermore, this season’s roster, under Coach DeBoer, looks quite good as well.

DеBoеr’s vision for thе Alabama football

Notably, quarterback Jalen Milroe, who earned a fifth-place finish in Heisman voting last season, remains a pivotal presence in DeBoer’s dynamic offensive system with ample room for growth. The offensive line, which was previously challenged at times, was particularly evident in the Rose Bowl. However, it has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now heralded as a team strength.

The receiving corps is led by seasoned veterans Kendrick Law and Kobe Prentice and has notably deepened with the acquisitions of Washington transfer Germie Bernard and the impressive 6-foot-5, 215-pound freshman Caleb Odom. DeBoer has several scholarships to utilize during the spring portal window, but he asserts that “most of our offensive production will come from our current players.”

Read More: “Love Our Relationship”: Jalen Milroe Unveils Kalen DeBoer and Alabama Coaches’ Mission to Shape Him Into Elite QB

DeBoer is confident about the talent and depth of the defensive line and linebacker positions. He highlights standout players like Tim Keenan, Jahiem Oatis, and star middle linebacker Deontae Lawson. However, he acknowledges the challenges in the secondary, which has faced significant losses. While veteran staple Malachi Moore remains and the addition of Michigan transfer safety Keon Sabb has been positive, DeBoer notes the need to bolster the secondary’s ranks with additional recruits.

Collеgе football fans will gеt thеir first glimpsе of thе DеBoеr еra at Alabama whеn ESPN tеlеvisеs thе Tidе’s annual A Day Gamе on Saturday. “The standard hasn’t changed,” Coach DeBoer said. “The play calling might be a little different, and the scheme may be a little different. But we still have that Script A on our chest. The Script A is still on the 50-yard line. So, Alabama football will be played on April 13.”

Read More: Post Nick Saban Era: What Will Be Defined as “Success” for Kalen Deboer in His 1st Year at Alabama?