It had a genuine head coach for 17 years at the University of Alabama, but the new man for the Crimson Tide is excited to continue the culture of fostering relationships.
Kalen DeBoer, 49, became emotional toward the end of his introductory press conference as Alabama’s new football coach.
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He built programs of character at Sioux Falls, Indiana, Fresno State, and Washington. DeBoer mentored young men physically, mentally, emotionally, athletically, and spiritually. He turned Washington’s program around in two years. The Huskies were 4-8 in 2021, but DeBoer compiled a 25-3 record. He made Washington a Pac-12 Champion and advanced into the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. DeBoer did not want to leave the Huskies, but Alabama is the only program he left Washington for.
“I need to thank some people back at Washington,” DeBoer said as he became emotional. “It is a special place to me, it really is. This is one of the few places, maybe the only place, I would have left to come coach at. I understand what Alabama football is all about. Those guys I sat in front of a room with yesterday, I know what they are going through because I saw the same thing less than 24 hours ago. I just want to tell those guys, ‘I love you. I will miss you.’ I want nothing but the best for everyone back there.”
DeBoer cared about his players at Washington. He built those relationships and turned those athletes into better men and players. He wanted the challenge of coming to Alabama and filling in the shoes Coach Saban leaves behind.
DeBoer can now get to work on making his vision a reality in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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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.
