"He's put in a lot on himself to make plays": Nick Saban once revealed how Jalen Milroe developed himself as a leader

Nick Saban developed several quarterbacks who went on to become superstars in the NFL during his 17-season stint with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Names like Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones all credit their success to the collegiate experience and development under Saban's tutelage.

Before Nick Saban announced his retirement earlier this year, he got the opportunity to start paving the path for potentially his next big future quarterback star, Jalen Milroe. After spending two seasons as Bryce Young's backup, Milroe got the opportunity to become the starting quarterback of the Crimson Tide last season. He did an impressive job considering it to be his first big opportunity.

During an interview with ESPN in November 2023, Saban discussed the early challenges that Jalen Milroe faced during his Alabama career. He also went on to talk about how the young QB quickly developed his character and skills and solidified himself as a leader of the team on the gridiron.

"You know in the beginning, he was putting a lot on himself to make plays," Saban said. "And I think what he sort of learned that, 'If I can just execute and take away the bad plays, that my performance is going to elevate itself to playing winning football."

In his debut season as QB1, Milroe helped Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide win the SEC championship against Georgia and qualify for the playoffs. Unfortunately, their road to glory was cut short when the Michigan Wolverines defeated them in the CFP semifinals and emerged as the 2023-24 national champions.

Despite the hiccup, Saban finished his final season before retirement with a 12-2 overall campaign. Jalen Milroe tallied a total of 2,834 passing yards and 23 TD passes along with 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, solidifying himself as a dual-threat quarterback to look out for.

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Alabama's new HC Kalen DeBoer gets real on his relationship with Nick Saban

Following Saban's retirement, the Crimson Tide brought in Kalen DeBoer from Washington as his successor. DeBoer had a successful 2023-24 campaign with the Huskies, winning the Pac-12 title and also facing off Michigan in the national championship bout.

While making an appearance on 'The Jim Rome Show', Kalen DeBoer shed light on his bond with the 7x National champ coach. He stated that Nick Saban is very respectful toward him and has an open door for the veteran coach in case he wants to visit the program at any time.

"He's been amazing. 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," DeBoer said.

"He's just been so respectful trying to allow me to still make it mine. He's just down the road and so, been over there a couple of times. Of course talked over the phone as well. He's just a great resource."

Kalen DeBoer has a lot of expectations riding on his shoulders as Nick Saban's successor. It will be a difficult path ahead to replicate the success that Saban brought to the program. But fans and players are hopeful of a positive outcome amidst the struggle.