Kalen DeBoer admits to being in awe of the Alamaba history and fanbase: "It's just awesome" 

Alabama has one of the biggest fan bases in the country, and the atmosphere at Bryant Denny Stadium is one of the most electrifying in college football. On January 11, 2023, six-time national champion Nick Saban decided to give up his throne as head coach and announced his retirement.

The Crimson Tide fans were left with worry about the team's future before they found out former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer would be taking over Nick Saban's legacy. DeBoer has proven himself as a coach everywhere he's been, which is reflected in his 104-12 record. In the 2023 season, DeBoer led the Washington Huskies to the Pac-12 championship title, ending the season with an impressive 15-1 record.

In a conversation on the show "Next Up with Adam Breneman," Kalen DeBoer talked about experiencing the support from Alabama's passionate fanbase and its notable history that the alumni have created.

"There was no surprises, but it's all lived up to that hype," DeBoer said [Time stamp: 20:20] . "And, you know, it's just awesome seeing the fan base, you know, their love for this place. And then the alumni and you know, what they created and all their blood, sweat and tears, they've poured into it and hearing their stories one by one, I got so many I haven't even met yet.

"... And then of course, the fun part with the fans. And that excitement surrounds the program. The A-day would be an example of that and having 72 plus thousand people there. It just, it just blows you away. And it's fun to be a part of."

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe on difference between Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer's coaching styles

Nick Saban is widely known for his anger outbursts. The Alabama team was used to his strict practice sessions. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning once opened up about receiving a handful from Saban for not doing back drills properly.

In an interview with "Bussin with the Boys," quarterback Jalen Milroe spoke about one major difference between Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer's coaching styles:

"I will say that it's different. It's much different. You know, when coach Saban came in a room and you're talking. ... be quiet. You see coach, shush.

"Imma be real, coach DeBoer came in, everybody kept talking I'm like, 'What ya'll doing?' Everybody kept talking I ain't gonna lie. They just laughing and keeping on the conversation." [Time stamp: 16:26]

It remains to be seen how Kalen DeBoer's new mechanisms will help Alabama take forward Nick Saban's legacy in the 2024 college football season.