Nick Saban has candid advice for Alabama fans after Kalen DeBoer's 5-2 start to the season

Nick Saban left Alabama after a 17-year tenure and passed the torch to former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer in 2024.

While most fans and analysts believed coach DeBoer was the best choice to take forward Nick Saban's legacy, his 5-2 start to the season has left critics with some doubts about the future.

Alabama had a good start to the season; however, their unexpected losses to Tennessee and Vanderbilt have left fans worried.

While DeBoer faces criticism, former coach Nick Saban has come out to his support.

During an interview at the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, Saban said:

"I am a fan now, the most important thing that all of us can do as fans for Alabama is to be supportive. I don't think that is for me to judge.

"I know everybody is giving their best effort to do the best they can, and I would encourage everybody to stay focused to playing to the standard, not my standard, but the standard their team has established," he added.

Nick Saban shares his thoughts on Kalen DeBoer during College GameDay broadcast

While Kalen DeBoer is currently taking the heat for not having Nick Saban's level of success, the former Alabama coach shared his views on how the transition is taking place during his conversation with Pat McAfee.

"I do think this is a tough transition for Kalen. Any time you take over a successful program -- I don't want to be judgmental about what they do, because I feel like he has to do what he does his way. He can't be me," Saban said.

"He can't try to be somebody that he isn't. I think there's more than one way to skin a cat, and I actually the guy has been successful and I think his way will work.

"I think it's an adjustment for a lot of fans and the people. But I think he'll win them over because he's a good guy and he's a good coach. He's got a good system, a good organization. I'm just trying to be supportive and helpful any way that I can so he can make a smooth transition," he added.

Alabama will now play Missouri this Saturday in Tuscaloosa (Week 9). They are the clear favorites to win and have a potential chance to make a comeback.