Kalen DeBoer spills the beans on Nick Saban's involvement during his hiring process as Alabama's HC
Nick Saban spent 17 seasons with Alabama, leading them to one of the most successful runs in the history of the game and making it one of the best programs in the country.
Under his belt, the Crimson Tide team won six national championships and a total of nine SEC titles, along with various other achievements. On January 11, 2024, Nick Saban announced his retirement at 72 years of age.
Following the shocking news, many were left concerned about the program's future. However, Kalen DeBoer's appointment as the next Alabama coach was warmly accepted by fans and analysts.
During an interview with Joel Klatt, Kalen DeBoer spoke about Nick Saban's potential involvement in his hiring process:
"I'm sure you know that there was a conversation or two. I'm not aware of those conversations, but, you know, I just know the places I've been when you pour everything you have into that place, so Washington, Fresno State, and it's going in a good direction."
"You want it to continue on... I want those programs, the University of Sioux Falls and even Eastern Michigan, Indiana, you know those places you want what you did and poured into that to continue on to experience and grow, because it will still come back to, hey, that time in history and past, where you, you know, you, you did your part, yeah, you know, to make it what it is today and into the future."
"So I, I'm very confident that coach, you know, would have had some thoughts, because, he wants it to continue to be at a high level."
Kalen DeBoer's bold strides in the recruitment process
One of the few things that Kalen DeBoer was doubted over was his ability to recruit as well as Nick Saban, especially in the South.
However, DeBoer has proven himself in no time following his appointment as Alabama's next coach, as Crimson Tide secured the No. 2 spot in the college football recruiting rankings.
DeBoer has been able to land big names like five-star recruits WR Caleb Cunningham, QB Keelon Russell, and WR Ryan Williams.
Cunningham was regarded as one of the most targeted recruits in the 2025 class and will surely help Alabama reach new heights along with other freshmen players.