All eyes were on Tuscaloosa (Ala.) in January of 2007, so it is fitting the narrative returns 17 years later.
Alabama fans and the college football landscape are looking at the University of Alabama. Nick Saban announced his retirement from coaching on Wednesday, and the nation is ready for Greg Byrne to announce the new head coach. Several names have been tossed into the conversation as top candidates, but who will be chosen to try and build upon the foundation Saban laid?
RELATED: Kalen DeBoer, top head coaching target for Alabama, cancels radio interview with Seattle station
A former Crimson Tide player under Saban took to the radio airwaves with his opinion.
Barrett Jones, the most decorative offensive lineman of the Saban era at Alabama, was a three-time BCS National Champion (2009, 2011, 2012), three-time first-team All-SEC selection, a Unanimous All-American, and a host of other incredible things during his collegiate career. He is now a college football analyst on SiriusXM radio and his choice his Kalen DeBoer.
“If it’s not Kalen DeBoer (for Alabama) I would start to get really nervous”
–@BarrettAJones on #SECThisMorning on @SIRIUSXM
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) January 12, 2024
“If it’s not Kalen DeBoer (for Alabama) I would start to get really nervous,” Jones said.
DeBoer, 49, has won at every coaching stop he’s had.
He has Washington on fire in two seasons, including a Pac-12 Conference Championship and College Football Playoff appearance in 2023. Does he fit Alabama football? This is the question Crimson Tide fans are asking themselves about DeBoer.
He can only prove it if he is given an opportunity. Jones, who was an outstanding player for the Tide, seems to like him.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
