The Alabama Crimson Tide is officially underway in a new era of football led by a new head coach — but just because the man on the sidelines is new doesn’t mean the leaders on the field are.
One of the changes under new head coach Kalen DeBoer that fans noticed on Saturday was all four team captains wearing a ‘C’ patch on their jerseys, something that Nick Saban never did.
Though the patches make it even more clear, it was never a question in the transition to the new era that Jalen Milroe, Malachi Moore, Tyler Booker and Deontae Lawson were the leaders of the team.
Milroe made that even more clear in the locker room after the Tide’s 63-0 win over Western Kentucky when he gathered the team in a huddle and awarded the game ball to their new head coach:
Jalen Milroe gives the game ball to Kalen DeBoer. https://t.co/0PQX06wtSl pic.twitter.com/MFcMZpa8Gq
— Jack Knowlton (@JackKnowlton_) September 3, 2024
“Great win! Great win,” Milroe yelled as he addressed the team. “But most importantly, the game ball goes to Coach DeBoer!”
The declaration by Milroe was met with a loud cheer from the whole team as the head coach hugged his quarterback.
The Tide obviously have a long way to go in the quest for a title, but it seems like the entire locker room is bought in on their new head coach.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
