Crimson Tide motivated to get back to playoffs in DeBoer's first season

DALLAS, Texas (WBRC) - Day three of the Southeastern Conference Media Days on Wednesday at the Omni Hotel in Dallas marked head coach Kalen DeBoer’s debut at the annual kickoff to the college football season. A point that’s been raised all throughout the offseason is how will DeBoer continue the legacy that Nick Saban left behind and how to ensure there’s little to no drop-off with a program that expects to win.

There was a moment as DeBoer took the podium where Saban listened in from the SEC Network desk. DeBoer showed his appreciation for the foundation that Saban built over the years and told the media that to sell his own vision moving forward its important to build relationships. He added that he’s always taking notes and wanted to take notes from his current players on how to proceed the right way while also doing things the way he would like to do too.

But a common denominator remains in the fact that both DeBoer and this Crimson Tide team share falling short in the College Football Playoffs last season. There’s a shared level of motivation.

“Listening to them and hearing them out, I think that’s the best thing you can do as a new coach,” DeBoer said. “They understand that I want this team to be a team that is ultimately player led.”

Saban picked Georgia and Texas to face off in the SEC title game in November, and Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker is taking a page out of his former coach’s book.

“We can’t really pay attention to things this early in the year,” Booker said. “We have about six weeks until the season starts and I really don’t deal with hypotheticals. He taught me that, so he’d be glad to hear me say that.”

Six months ago, DeBoer became the head football coach for the Crimson Tide, and since then, he has currently grabbed the No. 1 recruiting class for 2025. He understands how important it is to surround himself with a great staff and he has made sure to do just that. DeBoer added how great of an asset Saban has been in the process. Now, the attention turns to how it translates on the field this upcoming season.

A general consensus is that many expect quarterback Jalen Milroe to experience a great season and be in contention for the Heisman Trophy. According to DeBoer, offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan will call the plays. He understands the intensity of the SEC and he’s ready to help take Milroe’s game to another level.

“Learning, growing as a player, seeking all information from my coaching staff,” Milroe said. “Being a student of the game, I think it’s all about going 1-0. The grind doesn’t stop, that cliché term, but the grind doesn’t stop.”

DeBoer even mentioned how no one beats Milroe to the weight room, no matter how early in the morning. The Crimson Tide will soon get ready for preseason camp before their season home opener against WKU on Aug. 31.

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