“We haven't taken a step back” - Alabama QB Jalen Milroe discusses transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer’s coaching style

Jalen Milroe and the Alabama Crimson Tide will enter the gridiron in the 2024 CFB season without the leadership of former coach Nick Saban. New head coach Kalen DeBoer has taken the reigns in Tuscaloosa, and Milroe, his starting quarterback, is confident in the program's direction and the seamless transition between coaching regimes.

When asked about the differences between Saban and DeBoer in an interview with the "The Spun," Milroe talked about the program's commitment to excellence.

"One thing we could harp on is how are things the same," Milroe said. "We still have a great team around us, whether it's medical staff, academics, recruiting staff, and of course coaches. That's been consistent."

"We haven't taken a step back. All we've done is take a step forward in every aspect of our game, and it's evident to how we're performing right now."

Alabama's QB1 also praised DeBoer's personal approach and offensive expertise. Milroe believes that DeBoer’s schemes will benefit him in taking his game to the next level.

As the Crimson Tide prepares for the upcoming season, Milroe’s leadership and DeBoer's innovative coaching style are set to keep Alabama among college football's elite.

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Nick Saban always believed in Jalen Milroe

The legendary Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban had an eye for talent. Over his illustrious career, numerous quarterbacks have made the journey to becoming NFL superstars after graduating under his tutelage, including Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Jalen Hurts.

Saban retired in January 2024, but not before mentoring another promising talent, Jalen Milroe. While Jalen Milroe played second fiddle to Bryce Young in his initial two seasons, he stepped up as Alabama's QB1 last season.

Speaking to ESPN in November, Saban discussed Milroe’s evolution into a team leader.

"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 (Milroe) can just execute and take away the bad plays, that my performance is going to elevate itself to playing winning football."

Milroe amassed 2,834 passing yards and 23 passing touchdowns complemented by 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing TDs. His dual-threat capability has bolstered his reputation as a quarterback to watch for in the 2024 CFB season, with Heisman shouts already gaining steam.