Alabama fans are not use to a calm coach, especially after 17 years of Nick Saban’s emotional swings.
Kalen DeBoer is known for his even-keeled presence, but he gave Crimson Tide supporters a moment of fiery passion on the sideline last week against Georgia. Germie Bernard, a wide receiver for the Tide, was interfered with on a play from a Bulldogs defensive back. No penalty was called and DeBoer started losing it at the officiating crew. He is a mild-mannered coach, yet he wanted to make a statement in that moment. Alabama earned a 41-34 victory over Georgia and DeBoer mentioned in his post game presser that his demeanor in that situation was him ‘fighting for his team.’ A few players for the Tide spoke Tuesday in media availability about that moment. Bernard, who was with DeBoer at Washington, said he never saw him like that before.
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“It really goes into how much he cares for his players,” Bernard said about DeBoer. “He is going to protect us.”
Veteran players, including names such as Malachi Moore, Jalen Milroe, Tyler Booker, and Deontae Lawson, were used to Saban cussing them out. Alabama players became accustomed to what Saban would say to get them going.
DeBoer is passionate; however, his comes out in a different manner.
“He still keeps it PG,” Bernard said about DeBoer’s language and passion in practice. “He does not do much with language.”
Keon Sabb, a transfer safety from Michigan, loved DeBoer’s passion in that moment versus Georgia.
“Our coach is passionate and wants to win as much as we do,” Sabb said. “He gets fired up in practice sometimes, but that’s the most heated I have ever seen him. It was fun to see.”
Sabb said DeBoer does not use any big cuss words, but maybe he’s heard one slip out. The main thing is Alabama has a coach that’s about his players, having a quality product on the field, and giving the fans what they want, which is consistent success.
DeBoer will lead the Tide against Vanderbilt for Saturday’s matchup.
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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.
