Kalen DeBoer is in a special situation right now as Alabama’s head football coach.
He took on the challenge to fill the shoes left behind by a legend, Nick Saban, and continue the Crimson Tide’s tradition of excellence in his way. DeBoer has experienced different things in this transition, including how spoiled the consumers of Tide football are to success. He felt the highs after defeating Georgia in his first meeting versus Kirby Smart, but he also endured the lows of dropping matchups versus Vanderbilt and Tennessee. He is different from Saban, yet Coach DeBoer has Alabama with every postseason goal in front it. The Tide debuted at No. 11 in Tuesday’s initial College Football Playoff rankings reveal.
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DeBoer understands the assignment, and an ESPN sideline reporter knows too. Holly Rowe shared with Roger Hoover of Crimson Tide Sports Network her appreciation of DeBoer. She worked six games for the Washington Huskies in 2023, so Rowe got a close look at DeBoer’s coaching style and personality as he guided the Huskies to the CFP National Championship Game.
Rowe urged the Crimson Tide nation to be ‘patient’ with DeBoer.
“There were so many changes with the roster,” Rowe said. “There we’re changes with the scheme and personnel. I really hope the fanbase is patient because these are two different coaches. But, the turnover with the roster is what people need to understand and that’s a lot. Kalen DeBoer is one of my favorite people in college football. I have gotten to know him well, and I love him.”
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Rowe said fans will be happy with DeBoer if they are truly patient with him.
“If they give him the time and space he needs, they will be happy with the results,” she said.
DeBoer can make a huge statement to the fans with a win over LSU.
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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.
