Who should Alabama hire to replace Nick Saban? Start with Kalen DeBoer of Washington

Would Alabama a wunderkind to replace a legend?

If Google Trends data offer any fair indication, Alabama fans are interested in the possibility. Internet searches for Oregon’s Dan Lanning soared in Alabama after breaking news Wednesday that Nick Saban is retiring.

I’m more interested in the veteran coach who always beats the wunderkind. That’s Washington’s Kalen DeBoer.

Lanning, 37, oozes nouveau riche cachet. Lanning’s affinity for analytics – fourth-and-4? Go for it! – captivate our attention. His handsome looks made him a fit for ESPN’s halftime set during Monday’s national championship game.

I’d rather have the guy coaching in the game.

You know, the Huskies coach who is 3-0 against Lanning.

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer visits with running back Cameron Davis (22) during warm ups before a game in 2022 against Oregon at Autzen Stadium.

Lanning cut his teeth as a graduate assistant for Saban and later as Kirby Smart’s defensive coordinator. He might crush it at Alabama.

Kalen DeBoer, 49, is a career winner. He’s crushed it everywhere he’s been, from NAIA Sioux Falls to Fresno State to Washington. Coaching hires offer no guarantees, but I’d put faith in DeBoer, who has 12 losses in nine seasons coaching at various levels. He inherited a Washington program that went 4-8 in 2021. The Huskies won 25 games the past two seasons.

Alabama’s expectations are especially high, and Saban’s heir will face unrelenting pressure. Following Saban would be like a comedian taking the stage after George Carlin warmed up the crowd. Good luck matching the laughs. And good luck replicating Saban’s success – or even coming close – especially as college football shows signs of inching toward more parity, at least within the two super-conferences.

In 2022, I asked Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin about the hypothetical idea…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/alabama-hire-replace-nick-saban-160450633.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2024-01-11 16:04:50

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