Kalen DeBoer Reflects on Alabama Football, Coaching Legacy, and Upcoming Season in an Exclusive Interview

As the countdown to the new college football season continues, Alabama fans are preparing for a significant change. On August 26, the Crimson Tide will take to the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, not under the guidance of the legendary Nick Saban, but with a new leader at the helm—Kalen DeBoer.

DeBoer, now entrenched in the final stages of Alabama's preseason preparations, is gearing up for his debut as head coach against Western Kentucky. Prior to the start of camp, DeBoer sat down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with AL.com, where he opened up about his journey and the challenges that lie ahead.

In the interview, DeBoer shared insights into his early years growing up in South Dakota, his transformative experience leading Washington to the national championship game last season, and the lessons learned from that heart-wrenching loss. These experiences, he revealed, have forged a deep connection with his Alabama players, helping them bond over shared adversity.

"Those tough moments are what unite us and drive us forward," DeBoer reflected.

When DeBoer steps onto the sideline at Bryant-Denny Stadium on August 31, it will mark his first time leading the Crimson Tide. However, the stadium itself is not unfamiliar territory for him. Back in 2017, DeBoer experienced the intensity of Tuscaloosa as Fresno State’s offensive coordinator, where his team faced off against the top-ranked Crimson Tide. Alabama emerged victorious with a 41-10 win, but the experience left a lasting impression on DeBoer.

Recalling that game, DeBoer remarked, "We knew we were up against a powerhouse coming off a playoff run in 2016. Despite the odds, I felt we competed well. But the atmosphere at Bryant-Denny was something else entirely—an electrifying environment from the moment we arrived."