Kalen DeBoer explains how he's maintained Nick Saban's culture at Alabama

Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer Press Conference | Western Kentucky Week

When Nick Saban had the opportunity to watch one of Alabama‘s scrimmages this fall, it’s as if he never left.

He saw the same culture within Kalen DeBoer‘s palyers as he did with his own. Saban said this year’s Crimson Tide squad plays with toughness, great effort, execute well and have good discipline — everything Saban looked for in his group on yearly basis.

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“I think Coach [Saban] certainly pushed that standard each and every day and fortunately we have a lot of guys who understand what that’s supposed to look like,” DeBoer said on Monday. “It’s great that we have those leaders, our players, we have some staff, a few coaches that were here with Coach and they just continue to be front and center in leading the rest of the guys that are new to the program or new players that have come in. It’s something we care for a lot with the culture of our program. It’s important to me.

“There’s a style of play that wins football games and that’s really what we’re focused on, but there’s a lot of details and a lot of things off the field that are really important to playing at the highest level and being this program that’s been at that level for so many years and so many decades. I appreciate those comments from Coach and that perspective.”

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Saban, who revealed his perspective during his debut as an analyst on ESPN College GameDay over the weekend, praised DeBoer for the job he’s been able to do to keep the culture going despite having to compensate for the talent lost to the NCAA transfer portal.

The former Crimson Tide headman said that he was impressed by the defensive effort from DeBoer’s team despite having his worries coming into the scrimmage. “They’re gonna be right up there challenging people,” he said.

Saban was reaffirmed in his confidence with Alabama’s offense during the outing as well. Jalen Milroe returns as a second-year starter in Tuscaloosa, while the seven-time national championship-winning coach was pleased with what he saw from the O-Line and skill positions under new offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan.

The Kalen DeBoer era in Tuscaloosa will officially be underway on Aug. 31 inside Bryant-Denny Stadium when they host Western Kentucky. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET live on ESPN.