New Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer should deem this position his top priority

With Friday's news that Kalen DeBoer had agreed to become Alabama head coach, the most stressful two days in recent Crimson Tide athletic history ended. 

What begins now for DeBoer, however, is the real hard work – keeping together a roster of players who are free to seek new opportunities at other schools.

For Alabama, wide receiver has seen the most movement since Nick Saban's retirement Wednesday. Not only has five-star prospect Ryan Williams already decommited, but the team's top returning receiver, Isaiah Bond, announced Friday his entry into the transfer portal.

Under Saban, Alabama had a wealth of talent and normally, losing some star players is expected. In DeBoer's offense at Washington and likely at Alabama, however, wide receiver play is key to the team's success.

DeBoer, a former wide receiver himself, may have gotten good news when it comes to keeping Williams. In the immediate aftermath of the news breaking, he liked posts on X praising the hire.

Bond may be a bit more tricky; after all, he's an established receiver with a highlight reel showing he can be a top option for almost any team. 

Additionally, it's not as if he would leave Alabama fans with a sour taste in their mouths. Having caught the fourth-down pass that downed Auburn and kept the Tide's 2023 season alive, he'll be remembered in Tuscaloosa regardless of whether he returns or not.

But staying at Alabama could be Bond's best option. Alabama QB Jalen Milroe is as much a threat to keep the ball himself and run as he is to pass, but DeBoer had massive success this season with his wide receivers.

As the Tuscaloosa News' Chase Goodbread noted on X with a photo of Washington All-American Rome Odunze, DeBoer coached the nation's top receiver this past season.