Following a 9-4 debut season that fell short of Alabama’s championship standards, Kalen DeBoer opened up about the realities of stepping into Nick Saban’s legendary shoes. The Crimson Tide experienced both impressive victories against top-ranked Georgia and LSU, and stunning setbacks including their first loss to Vanderbilt in 40 years.
Despite tying the school record for most wins by a first-year Alabama coach, DeBoer has been candid about the season’s shortcomings.
Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Reflects on First Year Challenges, Growth, and Building Trust With Players
In an interview with USA Today Network, DeBoer said, “This is a program that expects to be front and center. That’s what I expect. The championships are results of doing things that champions do and that winners do throughout the whole process.”
“Now we have experiences that we’ve all shared or most of us. There’s new players coming in. There’s very little staff turnover but there’s always going to be something and we have these experiences now that we’ve shared the good experiences, the experiences that didn’t go as planned.”
DeBoer highlighted their thorough analysis of the previous season. “We really dissect everything. You always are trying to prepare right? Whether it’s game management type things situations and you know that’s what you do as a football coach you think about all those things.”
The coach acknowledged the challenges of maintaining Alabama’s elite status during transition. “When you’re at the top, it’s hard enough to stay at the top when you have continuity. Now, you take away any continuity, and it’s going to be hard to maintain that level. But, I feel like we are taking the steps.”
Trust emerged as the cornerstone of DeBoer’s philosophy.
“I think that’s the key word, trust that what you’re saying or what they’re you know, when I’m telling a player or our coaches are telling a player that they know it’s for our good not just because you’re upset or anything like that.”
DeBoer emphasized authentic relationship-building within the program.
“There’s also another level of relationships that we have now as a coaching staff together, but also coaching staff with our players. We are very intentional with how we spend that time together in building our culture, having the expectations.”
The intense scrutiny at Alabama hasn’t fazed DeBoer. “You know that everything is going to be analyzed, literally everything, but again, that’s what you signed up for, and I’m good with that. Never overreacting is key. If I do that, guess what, our players will probably do that, too.”
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As DeBoer enters year two, his foundation is stronger and expectations are higher. With quarterback battles underway and roster upgrades secured, the lessons from year one have positioned Alabama to return to championship contention.
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