WATCH: Nick Saban’s daughter Kristen Saban gets emotional as ex-Alabama coach gets an electrifying applause from fans

Nick Saban returned to Tuscaloosa for Alabama's season opener against Western Kentucky. He stepped down after more than 50 years of coaching and watched the game not as a head coach for the first time in a while, sitting in a suite at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Saban had previously watched Alabama’s A-Day spring game from a suite, but Saturday marked his first time experiencing a regular-season game from the stands. His departure from coaching has left a huge void in Alabama football, and the transition to a new era under Kalen DeBoer hasn't been easy for many fans.

The former coach received a rousing round of applause from the Alabama faithful. His daughter, Kristen Saban, captured the emotional moment and uploaded it on her Instagram story with three crying emojis.

On the field, the Crimson Tide showed no signs of slowing down. In front of a crowd of 100,077, Alabama gave the Hilltoppers a blowout 63-0 defeat. Quarterback Jalen Milroe led the charge, passing for five touchdowns and 200 yards.

Freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams recorded 139 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns while running back Justice Haynes rushed for 102 yards and one touchdown on only four carries.

Nick Saban remains optimistic about the Kalen DeBoer era in Alabama

Nick Saban coached Alabama to six national championships and nine SEC titles in 17 seasons before retiring this year. Saban is confident in coach Kalen DeBoer's ability to take the program to new heights.

“Kalen has done a great job taking over this program because he’s got the right disposition about him," Saban told On3. "He embraced the tradition. He embraced the culture."

DeBoer took over as Alabama's head coach position in January after leading Washington to the national title game, and after his first win, Saban is banking more on DeBoer's potential.

"How they practiced, how they played, what the offense was, what the defense was going to be," Saban told. "So I am really, really excited about what Kalen is going to do for Alabama.”

Nick Saban has an office at Bryant-Denny and a suite. He has openly offered his assistance to DeBoer, stating that he would be "glad" to provide his opinion if the new Alabama coach seeks his advice.