Watch: Kalen DeBoer's arrival in Tuscaloosa with family receives warm cheers from Alabama fans

After many speculations and rumors about who would succeed Nick Saban in Alabama, the program has finalized Kalen DeBoer as the most suitable candidate for the job. DeBoer's hire is now official, and he will be introduced as the next Crimson Tide head coach as his media interview is scheduled to be held at around 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Kalen DeBoer spent two seasons with Washington before accepting the job at Alabama. He recently led Washington to a Pac-12 championship and a showdown against Michigan in the CFP Championship game which they lost. As the 49-year-old recently arrived in Tuscaloosa, he was greeted with warm cheers and support from Alabama fans who were waiting for him to land.

DeBoer arrived at Tuscaloosa National Airport from Seattle on a private plane on Friday evening. He was greeted by several fans who were waiting to welcome him to his new home. The former Washington head coach was then seen interacting with these fans and also taking selfies with them, marking a new post-Saban era for Alabama.

Kalen DeBoer is first scheduled to have a meeting with the players at Mal Moore Athletic Facility situated inside the campus. The mystery surrounding Nick Saban's successor finally comes to an end.

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Kalen DeBoer releases first statement as Crimson Tide head coach

Following his hiring by the program, DeBoer released his first statement, saying that he always had a sense of respect for the Alabama football program. He then went on to talk about the honor of being able to succeed the legendary Nick Saban and help lead the Crimson Tide to more success in the future:

"I have always had an incredible respect for Alabama football and its commitment to excellence. The tradition-rich history of this program is unmatched across the landscape of college athletics, and I look forward to continuing that moving forward. Following Coach Saban is an honor. He has been the standard for college football, and his success is unprecedented.

"I would not have left Washington for just any school. The chance to lead the football program at The University of Alabama is the opportunity of a lifetime. My family and I feel truly blessed and look forward to becoming a part of the Tuscaloosa community. I want to thank Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, President Stuart R. Bell, Chancellor Finis St. John and The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees for their belief in me to lead this program."

It will be interesting to see if DeBoer can lead the Crimson Tide to success just like Saban did during his 17-year tenure.