Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer spills the beans on his first interaction with the guys following Nick Saban's exit

The Alabama Crimson Tide are heading into their first year in the post-Nick Saban era. Many analysts consider Kalen DeBoer a home run, and one difference fans have noticed is how quarterback Jalen Milroe has taken on the role of a leader in the locker room.

DeBoer has proved his head coaching abilities throughout his career, which is shown by his 104-12 overall record. In 2023, he led the Washington Huskies to a 14-1 season, coming close to securing a national championship. The Crimson Tide is excited to play under coach DeBoer owing to his offense-oriented style of coaching, as discussed by OL Tyler Booker and QB Jalen Milroe.

During an interview with Joel Klatt, Kalen DeBoer talked about his first interaction with the Crimson Tide players:

"I knew how important (it was) just to give them a couple nuggets, they weren't going to hear everything, because they're just trying to get a gage of who this person is in front of them. But I think it was positive. I think they, they felt like there was, you know, some energy, obviously, had just been to a national championship.

"I think the guys you know pulled the leadership group into a room and talking with them. I think they heard, they saw that I'll listen, and felt that it was, you know, genuine. And you know that that's I think one of the things I pride myself on is giving them direction.

"Giving them, the organization, the parametersewe want this team and vision to look like. But also hearing them out, and hearing what's important to them and making it there so that they have ownership in it, and willing to invest on another level."

Differences between Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer's coaching styles

Both Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer are accomplished coaches with extremely different coaching styles. While Saban was known for his strict head coaching style, Kalen DeBoer has taken a more laid-back route since his appointment with the program.

One of the main differences between the two eras is practice times. While coach Saban used to keep the session between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., DeBoer has chosen to keep it from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. so that the players get more time to socialize and also focus on their academics.

Another difference is how coach DeBoer makes an effort to make close relationships with the team by being on Snapchat or giving players his phone number.

It will be interesting to see the new Alabama under Kalen DeBoer. With the team a perennial contender, many are wondering if DeBoer could lead them to a national championship in their first season. With expectations slightly lower in his debut campaign with the program, the team could benefit from being under a little less pressure.