You can take Nick Saban out of Alabama, but it is next to impossible to take Nick Saban out of the heart of the Alabama Crimson Tide fans. This has mounted the pressure on the one replacing the coaching maestro. Yes, Kalen DeBoer will have to overcome multiple roadblocks.

But foremost he has to get over the theme that has been reigning in the Crimson Tide fan base. The motto that the Alabama fans swear by is just three words, “Saban never faded”. But not to worry, DeBoer has devised a unique strategy to use this Saban fever. 

Saban’s lasting impact on Crimson Tide

On the YouTube podcast, Late Kick with Josh Pate, the host drew focus on how Saban stepped away while still in his prime phase. He assures the Crimson Tide squad will still remember their ex-coach with every breath they take by stating, “Nick Saban’s gone. He’s still with us, he’s just not coaching there anymore…here are three really important words that I want you to remember “Saban never faded”…they lost a legend.”

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However, Kalen DeBoer displayed his courage to assume Saban’s position. But their legacy in the SEC championship is what propelled DeBoer to try his luck. As the host further enlightened, “The mood there is okay well come and take it because the conference has come through Tuscaloosa for the last decade and a half and so if you’re going to take that alpha position that’s the way you do it. You come take it.”

However, now that Saban has left Alabama leaving the program in its best form, it is going to be more challenging for DeBoer. 

DeBoer promoting connections to keep Nick Saban’s influence alive

Saban took his exit at a position when the infrastructure, roster, and network operation all had been top-notch. In that case, DeBoer now carries a huge weight of expectation. Since, if anything goes wrong this time in their SEC title race, he will be the one to blame and would fail to keep up the legacy that Saban established in Tuscaloosa. In that case, to still keep the Saban fever on, the new HC has formulated a master plan. 

To ensure that the players do not have a moment when they miss their coach who hired them, DeBoer has promoted a continued connection between Jalen Milroe and the company with Saban.

In one of the latest press meetings came DeBoer’s assurance, “I want to make sure that that connection is always there and that they always feel like they can reach out to the coach that recruited them… also that coach Saban knows he’s always got an open door.” There exists a difference in DeBoer and Saban’s style and approach. 

While Saban adhered to a strict “one-voice” policy, DeBoer prioritizes a more laid-back approach to practice sessions. The new HC likes sweating it off with music and encourages open communication of assistant coaches with the media. Hence, now that the players can run back to Saban with any piece of advice, it will help the transition process smoother. It is now to be seen how DeBoer ticks every box on the long list of expectations.