Nick Saban, the all-time winningest coach in college football, has expressed his thoughts on Alabama's evolving culture as the program enters its second year under head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Saban is known for his exceptional ability to build strong teams, and he understands that this process takes time.
Nick Saban believes a different culture is coming.
On ESPN’s College GameDay, Saban observed, “I’ve been around the team a little bit this year at Alabama, been to practice, and I see a different culture with this group,” Saban said. “There were so many changes last year — new coaches, players leaving, players coming in. But this year, they didn’t have anybody get in the portal.”
He praised DeBoer for his ability to stabilize the program last year on GameDay and instill his philosophy, stating, “He embraced the tradition, he embraced the culture, but he put his own mark on how he wanted to coach the team.”
Saban praised DeBoer for his efforts, emphasizing the confidence and stability he brings after a challenging transition year. He maintains open communication with DeBoer, providing advice when requested and expressing his support for Alabama's new direction.
Saban acknowledged the positive changes at Alabama, highlighting DeBoer’s strong leadership and his ability to foster a cohesive team culture in his second year as head coach. He also acknowledged that DeBoer is facing a very tough schedule for his first week.
“I do think (Florida State) has been a very difficult preparation. Florida State has 13 or 14 starters out of the portal, plus they’ve got a new offensive coordinator and a new defensive coordinator.
Nick Saban knows well that building a championship program takes time--"Rome wasn't built in a day" applies to football as much as history.
When Saban was hired at Alabama in 2007, his first season ended with a modest 7-6 record and some early challenges, showing that even the most outstanding coaches must lay a foundation before achieving greatness. It wasn't until his third season, in 2009, that Alabama captured its first national title under Saban, beginning a dynasty that would reshape the sport.
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