Kalen DeBoer was officially introduced as the 28th head coach at the University of Alabama in a Saturday afternoon press conference where Chris Stewart, Dr. Stuart Bell, and Athletic Director Greg Byrne all gave statements to introduce DeBoer.
Nick and Terry Saban were in the first row of the room, front and center, to watch the man who will try to carry on the legacy and standard that Saban has built over 17 years speak for the first time as Alabama’s head coach.
The first two seats at Coach DeBoer’s press conference pic.twitter.com/TvyW1uX7vu
— Wyatt Fulton (@FultonW_) January 13, 2024
One of the first people DeBoer thanked after his family was Saban, thanking him for what he had built and the trust to leave it in his hands.
“He’s the best in the business to ever do it. And 100% access to everything. I would be a fool if that wasn’t the case, I would be a fool. I’m gonna ask him that he shows up and makes sure he gives me one thing every day. I’m sure he will have ten, and I’m gonna be good with that. But at least one thing that he sees that we can get better at,” DeBoer said.
DeBoer talked about wanting to “do it the right way” and build on everything Saban has already built.
Saban has always said he believes he has built the program to last long after he is gone and built the Alabama brand to last beyond himself.
Greg Byrne has chosen DeBoer to continue the legacy of his predecessor. However, this is certainly a challenging task, as the shoes he has to fill are quite large. In fact, it may be the biggest challenge anyone has ever faced in the history of the sport.
It will be a huge help for DeBoer to know that the GOAT won’t be far, and he can lean on Saban for advice, guidance, or anything else.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
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