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 guys that are with us right now are gonna be the heart and soul of this team..

The core of our team is right here and we have a chip on our shoulder" ~ @KalenDeBoer #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Kn0LZFy1T6

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 24, 2024

"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.

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Spring practice is going to be exciting once it arrives.

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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.