Kalen DeBoer highlights thought process behind taking over Nick Saban's Alabama: "You embrace and enjoy everything"

Nick Saban decided to hang his boots as head coach after spending 17 triumphant years at Alabama, leaving fans both concerned and worried about the Crimson Tide's future following their impressive 14-2 record in the 2023 college football season. Soon after the announcement, fans were pleased to hear the news of former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer's appointment at Alabama.

DeBoer has proven himself everywhere he's coached, which is transparent with his 102-12 overall record. Many college football analysts even consider him an "upgrade" and have declared him the perfect replacement for Nick Saban.

Kalen DeBoer opened up about how he's handling the big takeover at Alabama in an interview with "Next Up With Adam Breneman."

"I understand every place is different," DeBoer said. "And you know, Coach Saban being the best of the best. You know, that's a whole different deal, especially here in Alabama. But I think there's just it kind of verifies to you, confirms with you, with those other places I've been, just that you got to go about it your way.

"You embrace and enjoy everything that comes along with the place you're at, the tradition, the just the culture, the excitement of the fan base, just, you know, and then the challenge of just building, and adding to it, that's been a joy of mine at previous stops and looking forward to doing that here at Alabama." [Time stamp - 13:50]

Things are different at Alabama since Kalen DeBoer took over

Kalen DeBoer and Nick Saban are both accomplished coaches but have distinct coaching styles. Nick Saban is known for his passionate demeanor, whether he's calling out media reporters in a postgame press conference or spanking former Alabama star AJ McCarron during a heated moment owing to an ill-advised pass against Mississippi State.

One of the key changes DeBoer has made at Alabama is adjusting practice timings. He has shifted offseason practice to 9:00-11:00 am, as he wants his players to enjoy their social life while focusing on their academics. Earlier, the team practiced from 3:30-5:30 pm.