Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer sheds light on relationship with Nick Saban: "He's just been so respectful"

Kalen DeBoer is preparing to lead the Alabama Crimson Tide into the new season. The 2024 season will be very different for Alabama, as DeBoer has replaced long-time head coach Nick Saban.

Saban announced his retirement after a nearly 50-year coaching career, but he has not completely disappeared from the Crimson Tide. Saban has been helping his replacement with the program, and DeBoer is grateful for this.

Coach DeBoer spoke to Jim Rome, the host of "The Jim Rome Show," on Friday about his relationship with Nick Saban, saying:

"He’s just been so respectful in every way. I’m trying to continue to remind him that I’m great with him being around the program, that these guys are guys that he recruited, for the most part here. For them to see him, it still means a lot to them, as well."

After Saban's retirement, a few players who had originally committed to play at Alabama decided not to due to Saban's absence.

Saban is still in touch with the players he brought into the program, which is a way to maintain a strong relationship between player and coach. However, while Saban is still present, he is not in charge of the team.

DeBoer said:

"But he’s just been so respectful, trying to allow me to still make it mine. He’s just down the road, so I’ve been over there a couple times and of course, talked on the phone, as well. He’s just a great resource.”

Can Kalen DeBoer and Alabama retain their SEC championship?

In his final season, Saban led the Crimson Tide to the SEC championship title after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs, who had been the dominant team all season long. However, can Kalen DeBoer repeat this feat in his first season?

Alabama has kept a good number of key players from last year's team. This includes quarterback Jalen Milroe, who after a successful campaign in 2023 will be looking to become stronger in 2024 and potentially make a challenge for the Heisman Trophy.

However, there are many reasons why Alabama may not win the SEC this year. While Kalen DeBoer is a skilled coach, he has never coached at a program as big as Alabama. He will be under a lot of pressure immediately, and Nick Saban may be unable to help him on the sidelines.

Additionally, Alabama is not the only powerhouse in the SEC. The Georgia Bulldogs will be strong again, and SEC new boys the Texas Longhorns will be coming into the conference with an incredibly strong group of players that could challenge for the conference.

If Alabama is to retain its title, it must not only overcome its opponents but also hope its new head coach does not crumble under the immense pressure that comes with a big program.