Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer weighs in on Nick Saban’s involvement with the program following retirement

Nick Saban spent 17 years as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, winning six national championships and keeping the program in the running fo the title nearly every season. Alabama will forever be connected with Saban (the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium is named "Saban Field"), but in 2024, he is no longer in charge. Kalen DeBoer is.

DeBoer spoke to Touchdown Alabama Magazine about how involved Saban has been with the program this season.

"He (Nick Saban) has really tried to keep his distance. He is trying to allow us to do our things as a staff. He knows that he is welcome any time."

While DeBoer said Saban has largely stayed away from the Crimson Tide program, maybe he should become more involved.

That's because Alabama is having a somewhat down season by its lofty standards.

The Crimson Tide come into their Week 10 clash with rivals LSU Tigers with a 6-2 record and as the No. 11 team. The team has been inconsistent, and there is a possibility the Tigers will be able to defeat Alabama this weekend.

A third loss will likely mean any chance of Alabama making the SEC championship game and the College Football Playoff (which has now been expanded to 12 teams) will dissappear. That would not be a good look for a team only a few years ago was the envy of the college football world.

DeBoer comments on LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier

DeBoer spoke to the media about the upcoming game against LSU, highlighting the need to stop Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier because of the threat he brings to opposing defenses. This season, Nussmeier has thrown for 2,627 yards and 20 touchdowns.

"And the guy that runs the show is Nussmeier, he can deliver it. He is good at understanding the offense and how it applies and where his throws are that are easy completions to let his athletes go and do things with the ball in their hands. You gotta put some pressure, put him in uncomfortable spots. That’s easier said than done, but that’s why we’re practicing and that’s why we put a game plan together.”

As DeBoer says, Nussmeier runs the Tigers and if Alabama can shut him down, its chances of victory improve substantially.