Nick Saban was legendary in 17 years as Alabama’s head coach, but Kalen DeBoer has made this fall camp his own.
Saban’s tough, disciplinary system led to six national championships, nine Southeastern Conference titles, and a host of other accolades, but Crimson Tide fans are excited to see what DeBoer’s style yields. We see more similarities than differences between DeBoer and Saban, in terms of wanting the best for the players, but there are some distinct differences in preseason practice.
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Morning practices begin the difference between DeBoer and Saban.
DeBoer has started practice between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. for the Tide. It is a different form of adversity, teaching players the discipline to be up and working early. Saban would have practice between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., exposing players to the heat of the day. He wanted guys practicing at the hottest time, so it would not negatively affect the players during the regular season.
Saban was one to have natural practice sound. This consists of pads popping, footballs whistling through the air, assistant coaches barking at players and players barking at coaches. Coach DeBoer has instituted music at practice. He has a guy on the practice field in charge of the playlist for the day. Alabama will go through a mixture of country, rap, alternative rock, and trap music, depending on the mood that practice. Music does get players in the right frame of mind as they lock in to their responsibility.
The third difference between DeBoer and Saban in fall camp is how both spend their time in practice.
Saban would be primarily with the defensive backs. DeBoer, on the other hand, moves around to every position. He performs the ball security drill with quarterbacks and running backs, DeBoer checks in on the offensive and defensive lines, he makes his way to the tight ends, and he checks out the wide receivers too. He allows his assistant coaches to coach; however, he moves around to get a feel for what everyone’s doing in practice. Both have unique styles, but this is what separates DeBoer from Saban.
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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.
