Nick Saban Calls Kalen DeBoer ‘Outstanding Choice’ for Alabama Football

The legendary coach weighed in on the Crimson Tide’s coaching decision.

Former Alabama coach Nick Saban fully supports the Crimson Tide’s decision to hire Washington’s Kalen DeBoer as his replacement on the sidelines.

“I want nothing more than to see Alabama football continue to be successful, and Coach DeBoer is an outstanding choice to lead this program,” Saban said in a statement posted to social media. “He has a proven track record of success and is one of the brightest football minds.”

DeBoer, 49, now sits at the helm of one of college football’s greatest dynasties after spending two seasons with Washington.

The Huskies went 25–3 under DeBoer’s watch, earning an Alamo Bowl win in 2022 and a trip to the national championship to finish the ‘23 season.

• Forde: DeBoer’s Move to Alabama Shows Confidence in Career Marked With Excellence

“Coach DeBoer has an excellent understanding of what it takes to be a successful head coach, whether it’s coaching, recruiting, developing players or building a culture,” Saban said. “He has done a fantastic job at every stop of his coaching career, and I am excited to see what he will be able to accomplish in Tuscaloosa.”

Replacing Saban, who won six national titles at Alabama over 17 years, is no easy task for any coach. His unprecedented accomplishments will be tough to measure up to.

But it’s clear DeBoer earned Saban’s trust to receive the keys to the program and to write the next chapter of college football in Tuscaloosa.