Nick Saban will be in Kalen DeBoer's ear at Alabama. And that's OK, a'ight? | Toppmeyer
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- Kalen DeBoer says Nick Saban will retain "100% access" to Alabama football program, with DeBoer's blessing
- Nick Saban wasn't over Kalen DeBoer's shoulder at introductory news conference. He was right in front of him.
- Greg Byrne says he interviewed multiple candidates to replace Nick Saban and believes former Washington coach is right fit.
TUSCALOOSA ā Alabama hired a new football coach, OK?
His name is Kalen DeBoer, OK?
And he punctuates his sentences differently than his predecessor, OK?
Nick Saban retired, aāight?
Sabanās āprogrumā is now DeBoerās āprogram.ā
The torch of the nationās most storied program officially passed Saturday. My eyes and ears told me that an inimitable coach truly did retire. When DeBoer says all right, he enunciates it as two words rather than as Sabanās trademark contraction.
A new era, indeed, but the old era isnāt being shuttled into the closet.
On my drive to the news conference at Bryant-Denny Stadium, I wondered two things: Would Saban and Miss Terry be present? (Answer: Yes.) Would Saban offer any remarks? (Answer: No.)
Makes sense. Alabama fashioned this day to present its hire, rather than salute the retiring king.
None of the six seats on the stage were reserved for Saban. That made sense, too. If Saban had been on the stage, DeBoer quite literally would have had a legend over his shoulder. Thatās not the right image.
Instead, Saban took his seat in the front row, almost directly in front of DeBoer. Saban put eyes on his successor. That will continue.
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Saban, 72, remains employed by Alabama athletics in an advisory role. His office shifted to Bryant-Denny Stadium. Thatās less than a mile walk from DeBoerās office in the Mal Moore Athletic Facility.
DeBoer, 49, spoke of Sabanās continuing presence as an asset. Of course, heād say that. What else could he say? Only a stooge would block Sabanās number, and you donāt compile a 104-12 career record, like DeBoer has, by being a stooge.
Not only did DeBoer say it, I came away actually believing he wants a dose of Saban in his ear.
This situation also calls for boundaries, though. DeBoer must be the unquestioned captain of this ship.
Kalen DeBoer's interest in Nick Saban advice 'is genuine'
And yet, I imagine Sabanās presence will continue to loom large, at least until Alabamaās next national championship.
This situation is uncommon. Rarely does the former coach attend his successorās introductory presser. One could easily see how this could go awry with the wrong coach occupying Sabanās old seat.
I think Alabama hired the right coach ā one with enough sense to seek Sabanās input when he thinks he needs it, but who also possesses the experience and self-assurance to lead with confidence, rather than wither in a legendās shadow that extends the length of Paul W. Bryant Drive.
Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne understood upon his 2017 arrival that his most scrutinized move would be the day when he eventually had to hire Sabanās replacement. All the while, he knew heād want Saban's heir to be someone who āis comfortable in their own skin,ā someone who embraces being the guy to replace The Guy "as an opportunity, not as a detriment.ā
Byrne told me that he interviewed multiple candidates for this job, without specifying the exact number. Hiring DeBoer, he said, was an easy choice. And although the DeBoer-Saban relationship remains in its infancy, Byrne feels confident in its direction.
āThe interest from coach DeBoer (in using Saban as a resource) is genuine,ā Byrne said.
DeBoer spoke with Saban for the first time ever on Friday. He called Saban for their second conversation on Saturday morning.
āOne hundred percent access, OK? To everything,ā DeBoer said of Sabanās role. āI would be a fool if that wasnāt the case. Iām going to ask that he shows up and gives me at least one thing every day. Iām sure heās going to have 10 ā and Iām going to be good with that ā but at least one thing he sees that we can get better at.ā
Kalen DeBoer strikes right tone in Alabama introduction
A fine line exists between useful advice and annoying side-seat driving, which can be a hindrance. Itās on DeBoer and Saban to strike the right balance.
āI feel confident enough in my abilities,ā DeBoer said, āalong with knowing that you have someone (in Saban) that wants this program to be so successful. I firmly, 100% believe, that he wants nothing but the best.ā
Saban, wearing a crimson blazer, nodded along as DeBoer offered his prepared remarks. He clapped and smiled at the appropriate moments.
DeBoer struck the right notes. He showed genuine affection for Washington, where his 25 victories in two seasons became career jet fuel. He insisted that winning battles in the trenches will be a āstaple of the program,ā a vow that will resonate with the base.
And DeBoer showed the requisite respect for those who came before him, hailing Saban and Bryant as legends and leading the audience in a round of applause for Saban.
The whole thing would have looked natural, if it wasnāt so surreal.
The GOAT really did retire, aāight? But, heās not gone, OK? Certainly, heās not forgotten. Heās right in front of DeBoer.
In the wrong hands, this situation could become a meddlesome mess that ends in pitfall.
With this combination, though, it might just be an asset.
Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's SEC Columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer.
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