Kalen DeBoer released his first statement Friday night after becoming the 28th head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
“I have always had an incredible respect for Alabama football and its commitment to excellence,” DeBoer said according to a release from Alabama Athletics. “The tradition-rich history of this program is unmatched across the landscape of college athletics, and I look forward to continuing that moving forward. Following Coach Saban is an honor. He has been the standard for college football, and his success is unprecedented. I would not have left Washington for just any school. The chance to lead the football program at The University of Alabama is the opportunity of a lifetime. My family and I feel truly blessed and look forward to becoming a part of the Tuscaloosa community. I want to thank Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, President Stuart R. Bell, Chancellor Finis St. John and The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees for their belief in me to lead this program.”
DeBoer has spent nine seasons as a head coach where he’s compiled an overall record of 104-12 which includes a record of 25-3 at Washington. This past season, DeBoer led the Huskies to a Pac-12 title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game where it ultimately fell to Michigan.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
