Nick Saban’s Legacy: Has Alabama Football Standard Changed under Kalen DeBoer?
It’s been a year since Nick Saban retired, leaving behind a legacy that defined the Alabama football standard. Saban’s era was marked by six national championships, and his philosophy of becoming the “best version” of oneself is still deeply ingrained in the program. The question on everyone’s mind is: has the Alabama football standard changed under new head coach Kalen DeBoer?
The Alabama Standard
Saban’s standard was never just about winning; it was about individual performance, discipline, and focus. He emphasized the importance of creating value for oneself and the team, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard. This standard was the hallmark of Saban’s era, and it’s what set Alabama apart from other programs.
Kalen DeBoer’s Approach
DeBoer, on the other hand, brings a different approach to the table. He’s young, approachable, and offense-minded, with a focus on energy and music at practice. While he may not be the same as Saban, he expects the same level of excellence from his players. Quarterback Jalen Milroe noted that both Saban and DeBoer demand excellence, but they go about it in different ways.
Meeting the Standard
Despite a season with four losses and no College Football Playoff appearance, fifth-year defensive lineman Tim Smith believes that DeBoer and his coaching staff have met the Alabama standard. However, Smith clarifies that the standard was never up to DeBoer to define; it’s up to the players to uphold it. Smith said, “The standard is still the standard. We uphold that. The players do. So even though the coaches may be new to the program, that’s part of our job as well is to teach them, ‘This is the standard, this is how we go about things.'”
A Learning Curve
The transition to DeBoer’s regime has had its ups and downs, with stunning losses to Vanderbilt and Tennessee. However, the players have shown resilience and a commitment to excellence. Milroe noted that the team is having fun, but also demanding excellence from each other. This balance between enjoyment and hard work is key to building a successful program.
while Kalen DeBoer’s approach may be different from Nick Saban’s, the Alabama football standard remains the same. The players, not the coaches, are responsible for upholding this standard. As Smith said, “The standard is still the standard.” With DeBoer at the helm, Alabama football is poised to continue its tradition of excellence, even if it looks a little different. The future of the program is bright, and fans can expect to see a team that is committed to being the best version of itself, both on and off the field.
Key Takeaways
The Alabama football standard is about individual performance, discipline, and focus.
Kalen DeBoer’s approach is different from Nick Saban’s, but he expects the same level of excellence from his players.
The players, not the coaches, are responsible for upholding the Alabama standard.
The transition to DeBoer’s regime has had its ups and downs, but the team is committed to excellence.
The future of the program is bright, with a focus on being the best version of itself, both on and off the field.
