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When Kalen DeBoer was introduced as Alabama football’s head coach one year ago, he did not make specific promises or proclamations about his first season.
After shaking athletics director Greg Byrne’s hand, and standing in front of newly-retired coach Nick Saban, DeBoer spoke of his plans for the Crimson Tide and the expectation it would continue to hold even through the transition.
But DeBoer knew what Alabama fans expected from him. At least he thought he knew until a reporter said he polled UA students who said the newly-named coach had “three games” before the judgement began.
“I got three?” DeBoer asked with a smile. “I was making sure I got that many.”
DeBoer had an idea adversity would come in year one. He inherited a team that faced adversity, a team that turned an early-season loss to Texas and a cinematic victory against Auburn in the Iron Bowl into an SEC championship, a College Football Playoff berth and an overtime CFP semifinal loss to Michigan.
DeBoer knew how that adversity would feel at Alabama. It was how it felt at Sioux Falls, Fresno State and Washington.
Jan 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama fans greet new head football coach Kalen DeBoer as he and his family arrive at the airport in Tuscaloosa Friday. Athletics Director Greg Byrne escorts DeBoer and his family over to greet fans who were waiting to see him.
“When you’re at a small college, it’s not seen by as many people. And there’s not as many voices,” DeBoer said. “But I will tell you this: your want-to, your desire to win and the amount of effort you put in to try and win a championship, it’s not any different. Because if you’re focused on this experience for the kids and them hoisting a trophy, you put everything into it and it hurts just as bad if you fall short.
“We’ll pour everything into these guys and we’ll…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kalen-deboers-day-1-picture-100605143.html
Author : The Tuscaloosa News
Publish date : 2025-01-13 10:06:00
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