Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer weighs in on pressure to match 7x champ Nick Saban’s level of success with the program

Kalen DeBoer was appointed as Nick Saban's successor at Alabama earlier this year. The Tide coach recently opened up on the pressure of replacing seven-time national champion Saban, who retired in January.

DeBoer appeared on the "GoJo and Golic" podcast on Tuesday and co-host Mike Golic asked him whether he heard from the Tuscaloosa locals about the importance of winning every single game each year. After bursting into a hearty laugh after hearing the question, DeBoer responded:

"I hear it, I feel it. You know it. I knew that coming in, knew that was an expectation. That's the reason why I came here to want to be a part of something like that.

"It’s fun to see the turnarounds. I’ve been a part of that too, and growing culture and what it looks like from a maybe not a good culture to one that’s a championship-caliber culture." DeBoer said.

Saban spent 17 years with Alabama and led the team to a 201–29 record, ten Southeastern Conference West titles, nine Southeastern Conference championships, and six national titles. Saban also won a national title in 2003, when he was coaching at LSU.

In July, Alabama announced it was naming its football field at Bryant-Denny Stadium after Saban.

More importantly for DeBoer, he knows the expectations of the Alabama faithful and the love they share for Saban.

Kalen DeBoer boasts an impressive coaching record heading into first season at Alabama

Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer (Source: Getty)

Kalen DeBoer had an impressive coaching record before joining Alabama. He compiled a stellar 104-12 record and gained a reputation as a serial winner. It's one of the reasons why Alabama appointed him as Nick Saban's successor.

DeBoer coached four years at Sioux Falls and spent two years each at Fresno State and Washington. He led the Huskies to the national championship game last season, but his team lost to Michigan in the final.

Now, it will be interesting to see how DeBoer fares with the Tide. Alabama will open its 2024 season by hosting WKU on Aug. 31.