Crimson or white? Kalen DeBoer reveals his favorite Alabama football uniform choice.

When Kalen DeBoer stepped into the head coaching role at Alabama, he inherited more than just a storied football program; he inherited one of the most iconic brands in all of college sports. The Crimson Tide identity is steeped in history, with its iconic crimson and white uniforms serving as a visual symbol of decades of dominance, tradition, and relentless pursuit of excellence. For DeBoer, a coach who came from the Pacific Northwest to the heart of SEC country, embracing the legacy and aura of Alabama football meant embracing everything from Paul “Bear” Bryant’s towering legend to the seemingly simple but deeply meaningful question: Crimson or white?

The Alabama uniform, in its stark simplicity, is part of what makes it legendary. Unlike many programs that chase flash with alternate jerseys, bright neon accents, or helmet gimmicks, Alabama has long stood firm in its classic look. Crimson jerseys with white pants at home. White jerseys with crimson pants on the road. The helmets? Always the same — crimson with the white numbers on the side. No logos. No frills. Just tradition. It’s an aesthetic that speaks volumes without shouting. And now, Kalen DeBoer has weighed in on which of these uniforms resonates most with him.

In a recent sit-down with local media, DeBoer was asked about his favorite Alabama uniform combination, and his answer was immediate and delivered with a respectful smile. “It’s got to be the crimson jerseys,” he said. “That look under the lights at Bryant-Denny, with the crimson popping and the white numbers — it just feels like Alabama football.”

For DeBoer, the crimson jersey represents more than just a uniform. It symbolizes the pageantry of fall Saturdays in Tuscaloosa. It’s the crowd roaring as the Tide takes the field to “Yea Alabama.” It’s the lineage of legends who wore it before — from Joe Namath to Derrick Thomas, from Shaun Alexander to Bryce Young. That deep red has become synonymous with fearsome defenses, high-powered offenses, and countless SEC titles.

Coming from Washington, where purple and gold are the hues of pride, DeBoer certainly understood the power of a program’s colors and what they mean to the fanbase. But he admits that stepping into Alabama’s locker room and seeing the crimson jerseys lined up for the first time was something different. “There’s something powerful about seeing them all lined up in a row,” he said. “It’s almost like the jerseys themselves have history in them.”

DeBoer has also made it clear that he doesn’t plan to change much about the visual identity of Alabama football. Unlike other programs that might use uniform changes as a recruiting tactic or a way to generate buzz on social media, Alabama’s consistency is part of its identity. “I think there’s strength in tradition,” he explained. “Players come here because they want to be a part of something timeless. The uniform is part of that.”

Interestingly, the players seem to agree. Several current and former Tide athletes have expressed similar admiration for the crimson look. For many, it’s the moment they truly feel like they’ve arrived — when they slip on that home jersey, walk out of the tunnel, and hear 100,000 fans roaring in unison. The color crimson, bold and unmistakable, feels like a second skin that connects the present with the past.

Yet, the white jerseys carry their own weight. Alabama’s road uniform, crisp and no-nonsense, has walked into hostile stadiums and left with decisive victories more times than one can count. From Baton Rouge to Knoxville, from Auburn to the Swamp, those white uniforms have absorbed sweat, dirt, and glory alike. DeBoer acknowledged the strength of that tradition too. “The white jerseys, they’re clean, they’re classic. And there’s something really cool about watching our guys walk into a tough environment wearing white and coming out with the win.”

Still, his preference lies with the crimson — perhaps because of the sense of ownership it seems to imply. The home crowd. The home turf. The home uniform. It all ties together. There’s also the aesthetic aspect. Under the lights of a night game, or in the late afternoon sun of a key SEC matchup, the crimson has a glow to it that almost feels regal. It’s battle armor for one of college football’s most elite squads.

DeBoer’s respect for Alabama’s visual legacy is a reassuring sign to fans who have seen other programs radically shift their look in pursuit of attention. At Alabama, there’s no need for that. Winning is the brand. Consistency is the message. And tradition is the foundation.

The reverence for uniforms is part of a broader theme DeBoer has emphasized since arriving in Tuscaloosa. He speaks often about honoring the past while building toward the future. Whether it’s watching old film of Nick Saban’s dominant defenses or studying the offensive ingenuity of the Bear Bryant era, DeBoer understands he’s not just coaching a team — he’s guiding a legacy.

In fact, DeBoer has taken it upon himself to learn from some of the program’s living legends. He’s spoken with former players and coaches, seeking insight into what makes Alabama tick, both on the field and off it. Many of those conversations return to the same themes: discipline, toughness, preparation, and pride. And when they talk about pride, they often mention that moment of wearing the crimson jersey for the first time.

One former player put it best during a conversation with DeBoer: “You don’t put on that crimson and play average. You put it on and you play to the standard.” That standard, built over decades and maintained through countless big games and championship moments, now rests on DeBoer’s shoulders. And his respect for it is evident in every choice he makes — including which uniform he prefers.

Interestingly, recruits seem to be drawn to Alabama’s consistency as well. While some schools use alternate uniforms to catch the eye of high school stars, Alabama uses a different kind of appeal: legacy. Players don’t come to Tuscaloosa to design flashy new uniforms — they come to earn the right to wear the one that already exists. DeBoer has made this philosophy clear in his conversations with recruits. “When you come to Alabama,” he says, “you’re not just playing football. You’re becoming part of something bigger.”

And the crimson jersey? It’s the clearest symbol of that idea.

The uniform discussion also serves as a metaphor for DeBoer’s approach to coaching. He’s not trying to reinvent Alabama football. He’s here to build upon what’s already proven to work. Just as the uniforms don’t need changing, neither does the core identity of the team — discipline, grit, execution, and dominance in all phases of the game.

There’s also a practical side to DeBoer’s preference. Home games in Tuscaloosa are events in and of themselves. The energy, the crowd, the band, the walk of champions — it all culminates in a sense of unity and purpose. The crimson jersey is the centerpiece of that energy. It sets the tone before a single snap is taken.

Even from a media standpoint, the crimson uniform stands out. Photos of big plays, sideline celebrations, and trophy presentations just hit different when the Tide is wearing red. It’s the look that graces magazine covers, highlight reels, and recruiting posters. It’s the image that defines autumn in Alabama.

Of course, DeBoer is quick to clarify that a uniform doesn’t win games. Preparation does. Execution does. But even he acknowledges the intangible boost that comes from wearing something that represents so much more than just a school. “It’s pride,” he says. “It’s legacy. And when you put it on, you know what’s expected.”

As the season draws nearer and the Tide prepare for their first campaign under DeBoer’s leadership, Alabama fans can take comfort in knowing their new coach understands the gravity of the role he now holds. He’s not just coaching football — he’s preserving tradition, fueling dreams, and carrying forward one of the most respected legacies in sports.

And if you ask him, that tradition looks best in crimson.