Top Story: High Class Stuff as Elite Professional Alabama Debut Displays His ‘Superpower’
Despite the historical significance of his first game as the Alabama head coach, Kalen DeBoer kept a steady demeanor throughout the blowout win.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—Gone are the days of tucked-in polos and sideline critiques of defensive players. Alabama football has a new head coach, Kalen DeBoer, who brings fresh habits and traditions, yet the results remain consistent. On Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium, No. 5 Alabama dominated Western Kentucky with a 63-0 victory in DeBoer’s head coaching debut.
DeBoer was dressed in a black hoodie and joggers, topped off with a crimson script A cap. Emphasizing a motto of “praise in public, critique in private,” he was spotted high-fiving players throughout the game and providing one-on-one feedback when necessary.
In his first eight months in Tuscaloosa, one adjective frequently used to describe DeBoer is “steady.” Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack referred to it as DeBoer’s “superpower,” noting how he maintains focus amid distractions. Wommack remarked, “His ability to keep the main thing the main thing is invaluable, especially coming after Coach Saban. He carries humility alongside the confidence needed for this role.”
DeBoer accepted the challenge of succeeding the legendary Nick Saban, and with Saban watching from a suite, the Crimson Tide delivered an impressive performance. Quarterback Jalen Milroe commemorated the occasion by presenting DeBoer with the game ball after his first victory.
“The best part was seeing all our hard work shine,” Milroe shared post-game. “I’m thrilled for our team and the growth we’ve achieved behind the scenes. It was an honor to celebrate this with Coach DeBoer.”
While the decisive score suggested a flawless performance, DeBoer faced some early hurdles. Kadyn Proctor, a crucial offseason addition projected to start at left tackle, was injured during warm-ups. Additionally, technical difficulties with Western Kentucky’s headsets during Alabama’s first defensive series forced the team to improvise, shifting offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan to the field.
On Alabama’s opening offensive series, center Parker Brailsford and left guard Tyler Booker both had their helmets knocked off, resulting in Milroe having to play behind a makeshift offensive line.
“We suddenly had a different center, left guard, and left tackle than we practiced with,” DeBoer explained. “The players adapted well to the adversity, staying composed and ready to continue.”
DeBoer’s calm demeanor was evident throughout the game, from his sideline attire to his steady presence during pregame warm-ups. However, his composed nature shouldn’t be mistaken for a lack of passion.
Sheridan praised DeBoer’s “attention to detail and focus,” emphasizing how these qualities enhance his leadership.
Even a rainy pregame couldn’t dampen DeBoer’s first match as head coach. Redshirt junior linebacker and captain Deontae Lawson noted that DeBoer stuck to his familiar message of upholding the Alabama standard, energizing the team with a focus on execution.
“He got us hyped,” Lawson said. “He emphasized doing our jobs for each other, which fired us up even more.”
Post-game, the players were eager to celebrate DeBoer’s win, and while he remained humble during the press conference, Lawson noted that he did show a smile in the locker room.
Running back Justice Haynes echoed that sentiment, saying, “Coach DeBoer’s amazing. He just kept it real, reminding us that winning is hard. He’s calm and collected, which I really appreciate.”
Unlike Saban’s past practice of allowing a 24-hour celebration, DeBoer planned a practice for Sunday, briefly relishing his victory before turning focus to the next challenge.
“I told the team that today’s points don’t carry over,” DeBoer emphasized. “There’s film to review, and while we’ve shown strengths, teams will look to exploit our weaknesses. There’s immense potential in this team, but there’s still plenty of work ahead all season long.”