DeBoer ‘not particularly frightened’ by Alabama moves, fan worry; explains optimism

The transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer has resulted in a cultural shift for Alabama football.

Multiple coaches and players have gone to competitors, championship odds have plunged, and fans, who are no longer on top of the sport for the first time in nearly two decades, have not had an easy time adjusting.

DeBoer was asked to address public concerns about the upheaval at the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility during his first appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show” since his employment on January 12.

“I believe it is simply the world we live in right now. When there is a shift or transition, everything in the software changes. Many of these programs are undergoing adjustments without the replacement of head coaches. “I just look at it, and you expect this to happen to some extent,” DeBoer added. “We will bring in the proper people to the program, whether they are personnel or athletes. And this is a place with the best facilities and resources in the country, and we are able to provide all of that to the top players who come here.

“I believe that our guys, and I would tell this to supporters as well, should be enthusiastic about the personnel we’re bringing in and what we’ll be able to do. I’m not alarmed at all.”

Nine scholarship players have joined the portal after Saban’s retirement on January 10, including Caleb Downs and Kadyn Proctor. Two midyear students are reportedly quitting, including five-star quarterback Julian Sayin who left on Thursday. Since December, thirty names have indicated an intent to transfer. Ryan Williams, a five-star 2024 recruit who decommitted last week, will visit campus this weekend, according to social media.

However, DeBoer believes that the “whirlwind” start in Tuscaloosa is not his worst start at a program. That would have occurred when he took over Washington two years ago. According to 247Sports, 20 players left the program during the offseason, while DeBoer recruited nine new players, including Michael Penix Jr.

“This is a far better scenario than that one was, given the number of guys leaving. Just stay the course. You roll up your sleeves, as I mentioned previously. There’s a tremendous group of leaders in this program that want to uphold Alabama football’s standards, and they’re sticking together. We want guys who want to be here. They’re working through all of the noise out there. I couldn’t be more proud of them remaining together, being proactive about talking with themselves, and striving to keep it tight and together.

DeBoer claimed he is “getting close” to assembling his coaching staff. Reports have poured in throughout the week as DeBoer searches. Some Alabama coaches have hinted they will not be retained, like Freddie Roach and Robert Gillespie were. The only hiring to confirm his appointment is South Alabama’s Kane Wommack, who is a friend of DeBoer and will be the defensive coordinator.