$16,000,000 worth Robert Griffin III heaps praise on Kalen DeBoer as ex-Washington HC replaces Nick Saban: "That's a coach I wanna play for"

Former Washington Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer has given the college football community a bit of a breather after being named the new Alabama coach, succeeding the legendary Nick Saban.

The announcement came just 48 hours after Saban's retirement, marking a swift decision for one of the most coveted positions in college football. The news was met with enthusiastic approval from former Baylor quarterback and current ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III, who expressed his excitement on social media.

"Kalen Deboer is a PHENOMENAL hire for Alabama," Griffin wrote on X. "Every meeting I have ever walked out of with him I always said the same thing. That’s a Coach, I WOULD LOVE TO PLAY FOR. He gets it. His players give their all for him and he won’t try to be Nick Saban or anyone else but himself."

The endorsement from 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin, whose net worth is $16 million as per Celebrity Net Worth, highlights DeBoer's ability to connect with players and build a winning culture.

Taking the reins from Saban, who secured nine SEC titles and six national championships in his 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer will face pressure to continue Alabama's football legacy.

However, DeBoer has shown the potential his coaching strategy holds. In 2023, he led the No. 2 Washington to the College Football Playoff national championship game and a Pac-12 title.

Kalen DeBoer thrilled after joining the Tide

Kalen DeBoer, 49, expressed excitement after being named the successor to coaching legend Nick Saban at the Alabama Crimson Tide. In a statement released by the school, DeBoer conveyed his immense respect for Alabama football and its commitment to excellence.

"The tradition-rich history of this program is unmatched across the landscape of college athletics, and I look forward to continuing that moving forward," DeBoer said. "Following Coach Saban is an honor. He has been the standard for college football, and his success is unprecedented. I would not have left Washington for just any school.

"The chance to lead the football program at the University of Alabama is the opportunity of a lifetime. My family and I feel truly blessed and look forward to becoming a part of the Tuscaloosa community."

As DeBoer steps into this monumental role, all eyes will be on his strategy and leadership style as he tries to fulfill the high expectations and challenges of coaching at a powerhouse program like Alabama.