No one understands the weight of the expectations facing Kalen DeBoer as he enters his second season as the Alabama head coach better than Nick Saban. He knows how demanding the Crimson Tide fanbase is, a fact that was frustrating even to him during arguably the greatest run in the history of the sport. Sometimes that wasn't even enough to satiate Tide fans.
Saban also understands how challenging the transition was for DeBoer following his retirement. January of 2024 was a whirlwind in Tuscaloosa, and a lot of players followed Saban out the door, with DeBoer unable to replace any of them due to the Transfer Portal being closed for everyone else. It was open season on Alabama's loaded roster, and top teams took advantage of that.
“I think there was so much in the transition last year. It was very, very difficult. A lot of players left when we retired, which I hated to see," Saban said on Monday night at the Nick Saban Legacy Awards event, via WBRC. The coaching changes, the staff changes. Players really relate to people in the organization, so when you change a lot of those people, it’s a big change for the players.”
Saban voiced his support for DeBoer, stating he thought he was doing a "great job" heading into year two. Expectations are high in Tuscaloosa, as they always are, and Saban certainly isn't downplaying them.
Nick Saban expects big improvement from Alabama in 2025
"I think they have the right staff, I think they have the right people, and I think you’ll see a big improvement in Alabama’s team this year," Saban said.
Everything seems to be in place for DeBoer in year two. He has his roster, they are doing things his way, and he has the staff he wanted in year one. It can't be understated how vital the hire of Ryan Grubb was this offseason. Grubb is widely considered to be one of the best offensive playcallers in college football and has been DeBoer's top lieutenant for many years. After a year apart, the band is back together in Tuscaloosa for 2025.
There's no such thing as cautious optimism among the Alabama fanbase. Caution is always thrown to the wind. Tide fans expect their team to compete for the National Championship every single season. Anything less than a College Football Playoff appearance this season will be considered an unacceptable failure.
This team is good enough to do more than just make the playoff. This is one of the two or three best rosters in college football on paper. DeBoer has done a great job piecing the roster and the staff together. Results have to follow.