For years, everyone talked about being the guy after Nick Saban at Alabama. Kalen DeBoer has been tasked with the challenge, something he has embraced. Expectations are still going to be high with the coaching change as nobody in Tuscaloosa wants an on-field drop-off.
Even with the pressure, Alabama is considered one of the best jobs in all of college football. DeBoer did not fully know what to expect when taking the job but he believes everything has lived up to the hype thus far. Whether fans have responded positively or former players have voiced faith in the program’s direction, DeBoer is happy with his first few months.
“So many people made so much about it,” DeBoer said. “It was a lot that was said, as far as what to expect. Really, there were no surprises but it’s lived up to that hype. It’s just awesome seeing the fan base and their love for this place. The alumni and what they created and all their blood, sweat, and tears, what they’ve poured into it.”
DeBoer instantly pointed to some in-house advantage he inherited. The strength and conditioning program has seen no turnover since Saban left. David Ballou is in charge, keeping the 4th Quarter program alive this offseason. Something to keep a familiar feeling around during a transitional phase.
Nothing has compared to the fan support in DeBoer’s opinion, though. Thousands came to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the spring game to show support and get a look at how the team could look in the fall. DeBoer claims to be “blown away” by the appreciation and excitement for what’s to come.
“The fun part with the fans and the excitement that surrounds the program,” DeBoer said. “A-Day would be an example of that, having 72,000+ people there. It just blows you away and it’s awesome to be a part of.”
DeBoer will have the opportunity to gain even for fan support once the season gets started. Alabama will begin the year with Western Kentucky but the first big-time opponent of 2024 will be playing Wisconsin in Madison for a tough nonconference test. Early wins will be how DeBoer continues to keep the snowball rolling.
He will be hoping the hype continues to live up to itself and maybe exceeds expectations at some point. Either way, not a bad way to get your career down South started with a historic college football program.
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