Why Alabama players are ‘all for’ Kalen DeBoer in year 2

Alabama football players are excited to play under Kalen DeBoer in year two.

DeBoer decided to take on a tall task over a year ago when he accepted the head football coaching job at the University of Alabama after Nick Saban retired. He led Alabama to a 9-4 season in year one, where there were plenty of ups and downs.

Alabama’s linebacker, Deontae Lawson acknowledged the challenge the transition presented for DeBoer at SEC Media Days and shared why the Tide’s players are more bought in for year two.

“It’s hard to replace coach Saban,” Lawson said. “And just for him to come in and just to take the job, that shows the confidence he has in himself. And that’s just great. Like you said, he’s definitely developed. It’s just hard for him to try to imply his way of doing things or his standard to us so early on year one. But now year two, I mean, we’re all for DeBoer, and we’re all into what he has to say or what he wants to do for the program. I think he definitely feels that and the players feel that as well. We’re excited and we’re ready.”

The Tide’s offensive lineman, Kadyn Proctor has noticed a more confident DeBoer.

“I would just say that he’s more comfortable,” Proctor said. “It’s hard coming into SEC as a first year head coach. I mean, that’s stressful for sure. I don’t want anybody to hate on my coach or anything like that. So, I’m doing everything to my best ability to provide for him to have the best success. So, I would say the comfortability. We’re relationship base and that’s just what it’s been throughout this past year.”

Alabama football is hoping this confidence in DeBoer will lead to more success in the future.