Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer explains decision to stick with Jalen Milroe despite quarterback's poor start to ReliaQuest Bowl

Kalen DeBoer stuck to Jalen Milroe despite the quarterback’s horrific start to the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on Tuesday. Milroe recorded three turnovers in the first quarter, throwing an interception and fumbling the ball twice.

While many anticipated a quick reaction from DeBoer regarding the quarterback situation, he continued with Milroe. In his postgame press conference, the coach explained why he kept Milroe for much longer despite his unimpressive start.

“I think there are some elements. I know that even the pick, that’s a really nice play. You throw it maybe two inches out further, and it’s a catch for us, and I’m not sure if we run out of bounds there or what, but they made a nice play.

“You guys were there. You saw the elements on the snap. You’ve got to field it, you can’t turn it over. Fortunately for them, (Michigan) had the field position to where they didn’t have to really press until the rain moved through, but that certainly didn’t help us.”

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Kalen DeBoer didn’t consider replacing Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe wasn't impressive against Michigan on Tuesday. The quarterback completed 16-of-32 passes for 192 yards and one touchdown. Despite the slow start and his struggles, he remained on the field as Alabama looked to get back into the game.

Kalen DeBoer made it known in his postgame press conference that he never considered replacing Milroe. The coach saw some positives in his play. When asked if he considered switching the quarterback, he responded:

“No, I didn’t. I just felt like there were things that we still did. We scored a field goal with (Milroe) using his legs. We went 95+ yards in less than a minute, and so just that factor and what we needed with him and his mobility added to the run game.

“I felt that was ‘the swap’ right there. The interception early, and a lot of those situations happened in downs and distances early that weren’t favorable, or backs to the wall and we had to throw the ball at the end of the first half, end of the second half.”

It remains unknown whether Jalen Milroe will return to Alabama for another season or enter the NFL draft. Many analysts believe that Kalen DeBoer needs to try a new quarterback in 2025, as Milroe wasn’t quite a perfect fit in the coach’s first season in Tuscaloosa.