Nick Saban issues statement on new Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer
FILE – Alabama head coach Nick Saban cheers his team before an NCAA college football game against New Mexico State, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Retiring Alabama head football coach Nick Saban has released a statement wishing his successor, Kalen DeBoer, all the best as he takes the reigns of the Crimson Tide.
This is the statement as it appears on the Alabama Football X account:
“I want nothing more than to see Alabama football continue to be successful, and Coach DeBoer is an outstanding choice to lead this program. He has a proven track record of success and is one of the brightest football minds. Coach DeBoer has an excellent understanding of what it takes to be a successful head coach, whether it’s coaching, recruiting, developing players or building a culture. He has done a fantastic job at every stop of his coaching career, and I am excited to see what he will be able to accomplish in Tuscaloosa. Terry and I will be here to support Coach DeBoer and his family with anything they need.”
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) January 13, 2024
Saban announced his retirement Wednesday after 17 seasons that brought six National Championship titles to Alabama.
DeBoer was announced as Saban’s successor Friday evening after leading Washington for the past two seasons. DeBoer has a 104-12 record in his nine-year coaching career that also includes leading Sioux Falls and Fresno State. He led Washington to the National Championship Game, but the Huskies fell to Michigan on Monday night.
