When you’re taking over for Nick Saban at Alabama, keeping many aspects of the program the same is not a bad idea. The standard has been set in Tuscaloosa over the past 15+ years, expecting nothing short of national championships. As Kalen DeBoer has taken over in Tuscaloosa, he’s implemented some of his ideas while making sure a lot is status quo for the players.
“A lot of these traditions that they are so accustomed to,” DeBoer said in an interview with Barstool’s Bussin’ With The Boys. “Keeping some of those things and bringing in the things that I think have been good if it adds to our culture and the guys might enjoy, we’re going to balance that.”
Alabama just wrapped up spring practice with A-Day taking place on April 13. Certainly a new feeling for the Crimson Tide, there are some things they kept the same during practice. DeBoer says the players “take pride” in things like having their shirts tucked in and being uniform out there on the field.
The offseason workout program did not change either, being a staple of Saban’s tenure.
“Just the pride they have in some of the simple things,” DeBoer said of the players. “How they look and how we practice. Tucking shirts in for workouts and practice. Those are the things that — the pride of the place that comes out… The fourth quarter program is something these guys really believe in.”
But DeBoer has a long history of success in his career. Not just at Washington, where the head coach is fresh off a College Football Playoff win and a national championship appearance. DeBoer has won everywhere he’s been whether it’s with the Huskies, Fresno State at the Group of Five level, or Sioux Falls in NAIA.
So he’s going to put his own touch on things. Something as simple as playing music during practice caught a few eyeballs during spring ball but has plenty of benefits in DeBoer’s eyes.
“The one that made waves early in the spring was we played music in practice,” DeBoer said. “So, that was something that hadn’t been done before. Not that I feel like you have to but I think there are a lot of benefits that can come from it. The juice and energy and vibe it can create. But also, there are ways I think you can utilize it for distractions.”
A gameday tradition mentioned was the team running onto the field with Thunderstruck playing at Bryant-Denny Stadium — something DeBoer plans to keep. He will get to experience the atmosphere for the first time on Aug. 31 with Western Kentucky coming to town.
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