Connect with us

Alabama Football Headlines

Kalen DeBoer says the ‘core’ of Alabama’s team is in Tuscaloosa and ‘has a chip on its shoulder’

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer inside Coleman Coliseum for Crimson Tide versus Missouri.
Gary Cosby Jr. - USA Today Sports

The Kalen DeBoer era for Alabama football is going to be exciting.

Some players and coaches parted ways from the Crimson Tide after Nick Saban retired, but DeBoer has not panicked since becoming the new head coach for the program. He has hit the ground running with assembling a staff, keeping core players together, and hitting the recruiting trail. DeBoer was featured on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday. He knows the pressure that comes with following a legend; however, the 49-year-old loves a challenge. He could not get to everyone in encouraging them to remain, but DeBoer is very excited about what he has in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He said the core of the team is still with the program.

“The number I am working with is what we are going to be this fall,” DeBoer said.

“We still have a few to work with, but it is not that far off. What is cool is that these guys are the heart and soul. They are the one that are going to be bring this thing to life, and the guys who are with us right now … they have sunk their teeth in and are hard at it. They are checking in with Coach Ballou, our strength coach, and he’s got them rolling. There was a little bit of time where there was some uncertainty, but we have calmed things down and are feeling good about the direction and what’s going to happen in the spring. The core of our team is right here, and they have a chip on their shoulder. They want to win that national championship. They had it right there in their grasp and these have already turned the page and moving on. They are excited about what our new staff is going to do building on what Coach Saban has done for many years here at Alabama.”

Coach DeBoer and the 2024 edition of Alabama wants to show the world that the Crimson Tide is still respected.

RELATED: Alabama new OL coach updates his social media profile in joining the Crimson Tide

Spring practice is going to be exciting once it arrives.

*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*

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.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

More in Alabama Football Headlines