Jalen Milroe elucidates thought process behind staying at Alabama after Nick Saban's departure: "We have to do what's best for us"
After 17 triumphant years, six national championships, and a plethora of other achievements, Nick Saban decided to give up his throne at Tuscaloosa. He announced his retirement on January 11, 2024.
Fans were not only saddened but also shocked by his decision and were worried about Alabama's future.
However, their worries were put to rest after former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer was appointed as Alabama's new head coach.
DeBoer has won a total of 104 games while only losing 12 in his nine seasons as head coach. In the 2023 season, he led the Huskies to the CFB playoffs and also won the Pac-12 championship.
In an exclusive interview with 247Sports, Alabama's QB1 Jalen Milroe opened up about staying at Alabama after Saban's departure. Many Crimson Tide players like Isaiah Bond and Amari NiBlack did hit the transfer portal, but Milroe stayed behind:
"That was definitely a hard moment in everyone's eyes with the transition of him retiring. He has to do what's best for him, and that's exactly what he did. So I support him 100%. Now as players we have to do what's best for us. I felt like Alabama was the right place I needed to be at. I'm definitely confident in my decision and glad I stayed.
"I'm big on commitment. Nothing is going to allow me to shy away from that or sway my decision. Now, I'm working on my Master's at Alabama," Milroe stated.
Jalen Milroe reveals difference between Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer's coaching style
Nick Saban is widely known for his outbursts of anger, especially on the field and during practice sessions.
A great example of this is when Saban spanked former Crimson Tide star AJ McCarron for throwing an ill-advised pass against Mississippi State in 2010.
In a conversation with Bussin with the Boys, Jalen Milroe spoke about the difference in the environment at Alabama since Kalen DeBoer took over Saban's role.
"I will say that it's different. It's much different. You know, when coach Saban came in a room and you're talking. ... be quiet. You see coach, shush.
"Imma be real, coach DeBoer came in, everybody kept talking I'm like, 'What ya'll doing?' Everybody kept talking I ain't gonna lie. They just laughing and keeping on the conversation." (16:26)
There is more than one way of skinning a cat. If DeBoer keeps the Crimson Tide on its winning ways, his style would be as admired as the disciplinarian streak of Saban.