Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Reveals Why He Kept Saban’s Assistants On Staff

Jan 13, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; University of Alabama new head football coach Kalen DeBoer speaks during a press conference in the North end zone at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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The Alabama Crimson Tide football program lost a legendary coach this offseason. Seven-time national champion Nick Saban retired, and former Washington Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer is taking over. Often, when these changes happen, the assistant coaches change as well. DeBoer kept many of Saban’s assistants on staff and even elevated their positions. He revealed why in a recent interview.

Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer On Keeping Assistants
Alabama football lands IOL Parker Brailsford
Jan 13, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; New head football coach Kalen DeBoer with a press conference at Bryant-Denny Stadium. DeBoer enter the press conference room with a smile.
Freddie Roach and Robert Gillespie were two of Saban’s top assistant coaches. DeBoer wanted to keep them in Tuscaloosa. Roach will stay as the running backs coach, and Gillespie will stay to coach the defensive line. Gillespie also has been given the title of assistant coach. At the Senior Bowl, DeBoer talked about why he is keeping them on staff

once I got here, locking arms with them and trusting them, just like I asked the guys to be all in on me, I was all in on them, and they’ve been that way as well,” DeBoer said. “They’ve allowed us to hit the ground running here these last 2 weeks on the recruiting trail. I can see we made some really good decisions on keeping them here.”

DeBoer is trying to keep continuity while also making the program his own.

Huge For Stability
Alabama Football, Kalen DeBoer, Noah Carter
Jan 13, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; DeBoer speaks after being introduced as the University of Alabama new head football coach during a press conference in the North end zone at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Football: Alabama Press Conference-Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Introduction
DeBoer isn’t scared of people being loyal to Saban. Too often, we see egos get in the way of success for programs. Some coaches would clean house simply because they didn’t want any scent of the previous regime. DeBoer recognized that keeping these two on staff would be helpful for stabilizing the program. While the Crimson Tide have seen some players leave, many of their top players stayed.

Alabama should not be counted out in 2024. DeBoer has stabilized the program and made other teams have to pay attention to what they are building.