Alabama football hates losing. Kalen DeBoer almost never loses. That’s the groundwork for a good union.
Alabama is closing in on hiring DeBoer as Nick Saban’s replacement, sources told USA TODAY. If you read my column Wednesday evening in which I stumped for DeBoer, you already know what I think of this hire. I like it. I really like it.
No perfect candidate existed, but DeBoer checks a lot of boxes after an incredible two-year run at Washington and a career of nonstop winning that stretched to Fresno State and NAIA Sioux Falls.
At age 49, he’s young enough to keep winning for a long time but experienced enough to have developed self-assurance, confidence and poise as he accepts the assignment of replacing the greatest of all time. Saban will retain an office in the building, but DeBoer shouldn’t look over his shoulder. He’s proven he can win big.
He hasn’t proven he can win in the SEC. A South Dakota native, he’s never worked in the South. Like I said, no perfect candidate existed.
DeBoer’s first assignment ought to be obvious: Relationships. He must build strong connections in his new terrain – relationships that will help him on the recruiting trail and in NIL fundraising that’s oh-so-important in a time when acquiring talent is more transactional than ever. And, yes, he must foster unwavering support from Saban, who will cast the world’s largest shadow.
I view SEC experience as a bonus, not a requirement, for succeeding in this conference. Saban and Urban Meyer are the SEC’s two best coaches from the past 25 years. Saban had never coached in the SEC before LSU hired him. Meyer had never worked in the SEC before going from Utah to Florida. Oh, and Alabama’s popular basketball coach, Nate Oats, wasn’t from around these parts, either.
OPINION: DeBoer is a consummate coach, but biggest unknown for…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kalen-deboers-first-assignment-alabama-233153807.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2024-01-12 23:31:53
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