Alabama Athletic Director Explains What Led Them To Select Kalen DeBoer

I’m sure I wasn’t the only one scratching my head when seemingly five top-quality head coaches rejected the opportunity to be the next head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. They eventually landed Kalen DeBoer from

Washington, who is a good fit given the number of past coaches that failed.

Despite the fact that DeBoer rumors didn’t gain traction until 36–48 hours after Nick Saban declared his retirement, DeBoer remained the least preferred candidate among college football fans.

Greg Byrne, the AD for Alabama, claims he doesn’t see it that way.

“I want to approach the conversation that will occur with an open mind and with consideration. Thus, while there are many names on the list, it is also somewhat bullet-pointed. On the Paul Finebaum Show, Byrne stated, “It’s not even numbered.”

“You’d hear the line ‘Who wants to replace Nick Saban?’ and that’s an easy narrative to create. I wanted it to be a different thought process – one who would embrace the challenge, who would embrace and honor Coach Saban and Ms. Terry,” he said.

He mentioned how he got to experience DeBoer on a personal level when meeting him in Seattle.