Kalen DeBoer admits to having a soft spot for the Washington Huskies: "Two of really the best years of my time coaching" 

Following Nick Saban's departure from Alabama, former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer took the reigns of the Crimson Tide.

DeBoer has proven himself everywhere he's coached, which reflects in his impressive 104-12 record. Both analysts and fans are content with DeBoer taking Alabama's legacy forward.

However, the Washington fans were both heartbroken and shocked to hear the news of him leaving their team.

The Washington Huskies had a thrilling 14-1 record as DeBoer led the crew towards the 2023 college football playoffs, while also bagging the Pac-12 championship.

In an interview on Next Up With Adam Breneman, Kalen DeBoer reminisced about his time with the Huskies:

"Washington was amazing. The people over there, they are amazing, will always be that way, my family just embraced [it] in every way. We loved it there. And we'll, you know, cherish our times, I mean, it was two of really the best years of my life coaching.

"And I think because of the age, my kids and just where we're at, in them understanding what we're going through, we just had a great time as a family, the staff, amazing staff, and of course, the players are the ones that all revolves around and what they did. And so, you know, that was by far the hardest part, [it] has been the hardest decision I've ever had to make, you know, in any way, career or even personal." (11:00)

Kalen DeBoer's bold moves in the recruitment process

Kalen DeBoer has been receiving applause from many college football analysts for the impressive work he's been doing during the offseason.

Following Nick Saban's departure, many Alabama stars like Isaiah Bond and Amari Niblack decided to enter the transfer portal.

However, DeBoer was quick to change that sentiment and was able to retain big names like Jalen Milroe, Malachi Moore, as well as bringing back Kadyn Proctor.

DeBoer has also landed a commitment from talent powerhouses like 4-star Keelon Russel and 5-star wide receiver Jalen Hale.

Fans will be interested to see Kalen DeBoer's performance in the 2024 college football season as Alabama get on the field for the first time since Nick Saban's departure.