Alabama Football Coach Kalen DeBoer Introduced to Fans at Coleman Coliseum

The new Crimson Tide football coach gave a special message to fans during a media timeout of the Alabama basketball game.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Kalen DeBoer got his first introduction to the passion of Alabama fans when he was greeted by hundreds at the Tuscaloosa airport as he landed in Tuscaloosa.

But on Tuesday night inside Coleman Coliseum, the new Alabama football head coach got a real taste of what he's in for with the Crimson Tide fanbase when he was introduced at midcourt of the basketball game by athletic director Greg Byrne. 

DeBoer took the mic to thunderous applause and a standing ovation. The coach soaked it all in before taking the microphone from Byrne. 

"It is so awesome to be here, it happened really fast," DeBoer said. "We got a lot of great news coming out, whether that be recruiting, or our staff. I can’t wait to ingrain myself in this community. What a special place. What a special place. The standard is Alabama. The standard is Alabama. Can’t wait to be here. Let's keep supporting all of the athletic teams. Roll Tide!"

"The standard is Alabama." @AlabamaFTBL coach Kalen DeBoer is introduced to Bama fans 🐘 pic.twitter.com/4NI9CtgGrV

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 17, 2024

Because of the icy conditions around the state limiting access into Tuscaloosa, Alabama let more students into Coleman Coliseum than usual for Tuesday night's game against Missouri. 

"I feel I know where I should be, and it's right over here," DeBoer said as he walked toward the student section. 

DeBoer was also escorted by University of Alabama president Dr. Stuart Bell and football chief operating officer Ellis Ponder. DeBoer was hired last Thursday to replace 17-year Alabama head coach Nick Saban and officially introduced on Friday. 

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