Kalen DeBoer is taking every opportunity to glean wisdom from Nick Saban.
He admired the 72-year-old’s work ethic from afar, seeing him propel the University of Alabama football program to six national championships, nine Southeastern Conference Championships, four Heisman Trophy winners, several All-Americans, and a host of other incredible accolades. DeBoer was handpicked by Greg Byrne to be Saban’s successor and Saban feels the program is in good hands with the 49-year-old. DeBoer participated in the Regions Pro-Am golf event with Saban, and he pulled up Tuesday in Birmingham (Ala.) for Saban’s annual Nick’s Kids charity golf tournament. He golfed with Tide legends, Mark Ingram and Tua Tagovailoa, and current players — including safety Malachi Moore. Nick Kelly of Tuscaloosa News got video of DeBoer arriving.
Kalen DeBoer has arrived for the Nick’s Kids golf tournament pic.twitter.com/vhsRxN5UBK
— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) May 21, 2024
He turned Washington from a 4-8 record in 2021 to a Pac-12 Champion two years later.
RELATED: LOOK: Nick Saban catches up with Alabama players at golf tournament
DeBoer had the Huskies in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game versus Michigan in the 2023 season.
Alabama fans are very excited to see what he does in year one in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He is becoming acquainted with the state of Alabama in recruiting different high school and speaking at various events. DeBoer has a system that he is confident in, and the players have loved his vibe since his arrival. He is learning from Saban and Alabama fans want it to pan out well in the fall.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
