It doesn’t appear like Nick Saban received the proper farewell given how the transfer portal timetable operates and how quickly coaching hires are made. Trying to keep up with news, rumors, and the like has been quite the whirlwind for us as well. Because of this, I am aware that it has been difficult for me and other people to understand Coach Saban’s passing, his highs and lows, and his current absence from what had been a constant in my life.
And then it occurred today when Kristen Saban shared a really poignant stitched movie of her years’ worth of mobile camera footage. I believe that’s when it really hit me.
After longtime coach Nick Saban unexpectedly retired, DeBoer assumed leadership of Alabama. After leading Washington football to the national championship, DeBoer’s team lost to Michigan in the College Football Playoff championship game. DeBoer is bringing wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard and offensive coordinator Grubb to Tuscaloosa. Jerret McElwain, the director of scouting for Washington, is also leaving the university to move to Alabama. DeBoer is also anticipated to retain a few of Nick Saban’s previous coaching staff members. Both running backs coach Robert Gillespie and defensive line coach Freddie Roach of Alabama are anticipated to remain, according to ESPN. Additionally, DeBoer has stated that Nick Saban would always have complete access to the Alabama football team.
For DeBoer, there are undoubtedly great expectations at Alabama. With a 25-3 record at the end of his two seasons at Washington, he included a 14-1 record in 2023. Accompanying him is an Alabama football program that has won six national titles since Nick Saban took over as head coach in 2007 after heading the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. DeBoer previously served as head coach at the University of Sioux Falls, and Fresno State. Among other universities, he served as an assistant at Indiana, Fresno State, and Eastern Michigan.
