CFB Reddit roasts Alabama’s new $100M Nick Saban replacement with satire: "Kalen DeBoer will retain Nick Saban’s referees"

A new era is in the making in Tuscaloosa after seventeen years and six national championships with Nick Saban. The torch has been passed on after his legendary stint, and now new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer will be shouldering the responsibility of continuing the program's success.

DeBoer is fresh off a successful two-year tenure with the Washington Huskies. In the 2023 season, he led them to a Pac-12 championship title and a spot in the CFP national championship game. Now, fans in Tuscaloosa will expect him to carry on the legacy Saban has created and continue filling the team's trophy cabinet.

Despite the warm welcome Kalen DeBoer received on his arrival, many fans also used social media to troll and make satirical comments about the former Fresno State coach. A Reddit thread on r/CFB joked about what the new coach will inherit from Nick Saban.

"Newly hired Alabama coach Kalen DeBoar will retain Nick Saban's referees," a Redditor posted.

Newly hired Alabama coach Kalen DeBoar will retain Nick Saban’s referees byu/Dellav8r inCFB

This is a long-running fan allegation about SEC referees allegedly making decisions favoring Saban and his Alabama team. The program also received criticism during the 2023 season when the CFP committee selected the then-12-1 Crimson Tide ahead of the undefeated Florida State to play in the College Football Playoff.

Here is how fans reacted to the post:

Comment byu/Dellav8r from discussion inCFB

Comment byu/Dellav8r from discussion inCFB

Comment byu/Dellav8r from discussion inCFB

Comment byu/Dellav8r from discussion inCFB

Comment byu/Dellav8r from discussion inCFB

Comment byu/Dellav8r from discussion inCFB

Comment byu/Dellav8r from discussion inCFB

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Kalen DeBoer gets a warm reception in Tuscaloosa after being named as Nick Saban's replacement

When DeBoer arrived at Tuscaloosa via a private jet on Friday evening, he was greeted by several Crimson Tide fans who were waiting to give him a warm welcome to his new home. They held signs and braved the cold to ensure their new coach had a positive first impression.

After landing, Kalen DeBoer interacted with his new fanbase, high-fiving everywhere and taking selfies. Replacing someone like Nick Saban in college football is no cakewalk. But if DeBoer successfully delivers, the reward will definitely be satisfactory.