Alabama Players Share Honest Insights on Key Differences Between Legendary Coach Nick Saban and New Leader Kalen DeBoer.
When a college football program as iconic as Alabama experiences a change at the top, it sends ripples across the sport. For nearly two decades, Nick Saban was synonymous with Crimson Tide football, building a dynasty that redefined success. His methodical approach, fiery discipline, and unwavering demand for excellence became the backbone of Alabama’s dominance. But in 2025, the program entered a new chapter, one led by Kalen DeBoer — a man with a different pedigree, a new style, and his own vision for what Alabama football should look like in the post-Saban era. And now, the players who have lived through the transition are speaking out about the differences between the two coaches, offering rare and candid insight into what has changed — and what has remained the same — inside one of college football’s most scrutinized locker rooms.
One of the first things players noticed when Kalen DeBoer arrived in Tuscaloosa was the shift in tone. Saban was known for his gruff, no-nonsense demeanor. Everything had to be executed with precision. Meetings were tight, expectations were clear, and there was little room for error — or emotion. DeBoer, by contrast, brings a more approachable, player-friendly energy. According to multiple players, that change has been both refreshing and a bit of a culture shock.
Senior linebacker Kendrick Blackshire said it best: “Coach Saban, he was all about business. You come in, you know your job, you do it right, and you do it fast. Coach DeBoer — he’s more laid back, but not in a lazy way. He still expects us to get it done, but the way he connects with players — it’s different. You can feel it.”
That connection has been a recurring theme in conversations with Alabama players. DeBoer’s emphasis on relationships and communication contrasts with Saban’s often transactional approach. Players say DeBoer takes time to understand their personalities, backgrounds, and goals beyond football. It’s a shift that has resonated deeply, especially with younger players trying to navigate the pressures of the SEC and life as student-athletes.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe, one of the most high-profile leaders in the locker room, noted that DeBoer’s communication style is more open and inclusive. “With Coach Saban, it was like — here’s the game plan, here’s your role, execute. With Coach DeBoer, it’s more like a conversation. He wants to hear your input. He talks with us, not at us. It’s not better or worse — just different.”
The differences extend beyond demeanor and into the day-to-day operations of the program. One area where players have seen noticeable change is in the offensive system. Under Saban, especially in recent years, Alabama’s offense was known for its explosiveness, often relying on elite athletes and vertical passing. DeBoer, coming from Washington where he led one of the most efficient passing attacks in college football, brings a system that’s more schematically nuanced. The terminology is different. The play-calling has a different rhythm. The expectations for quarterbacks and receivers have evolved.
Milroe said the learning curve has been steep, but also invigorating. “Coach DeBoer’s system is about precision, timing, and trust. We’re learning how to win with our brains just as much as with our speed and strength. It’s a chess match. He’s really smart, and he challenges us to think like coaches.”
The coaching staff has undergone major changes, too, with DeBoer bringing in much of his own team, including offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Players have commented on the cohesion of the new staff — not only with one another but with the athletes. There’s a sense that this is a united front, and that unity is being communicated clearly throughout every position group.
For many defensive players, however, the adjustment has been more emotional than schematic. Coach Saban was a defensive mastermind. For years, defenders at Alabama took pride in being molded by the best in the business. To them, playing for Saban wasn’t just an opportunity — it was a badge of honor. Now, with DeBoer’s background more rooted in offense, some defensive players initially felt unsure of how they’d fit into the new vision.
Edge rusher Dallas Turner, who returned for another season despite being NFL-ready, admitted that the transition took some mental adjustment. “At first, I was skeptical. I mean, you go from learning from the GOAT to someone new — that’s tough. But Coach DeBoer brought in guys who know their stuff. It’s a different voice, but the standard is still the same. If you can play at Bama, you gotta keep the bar high.”
Another notable difference players have pointed out is the practice tempo. Under Saban, practices were notoriously intense, structured down to the second, and often mentally draining. While DeBoer hasn’t relaxed the standard, he’s restructured the tempo to include more flexibility, teaching moments, and individual feedback. For some veterans, this has been a welcome shift; for others, especially those used to the Saban tempo, it took time to adjust.
Sophomore receiver Kobe Prentice explained, “Coach Saban’s practices were like controlled chaos. You’d be flying around the whole time, and you’d better not mess up. With Coach DeBoer, there’s more teaching. If you make a mistake, they pause, explain it, and let you fix it. You still run. You still work. But the approach is more balanced.”
The weight room and conditioning programs have also seen updates. DeBoer has placed more emphasis on injury prevention, mobility, and individualized training — a trend seen across modern programs looking to extend player longevity and peak performance. The players say the workouts are just as demanding, but with a different philosophy.
Beyond the Xs and Os, players are also noticing a shift in how the program approaches the mental side of the game. Under DeBoer, there’s been more dialogue around mental health, leadership development, and personal growth. The message is clear: success on the field is only one part of the mission. DeBoer has openly talked about building men, not just players — a mantra that echoes Saban’s “Process,” but with a more emotionally intelligent lens.
Running back Justice Haynes, one of the team’s rising stars, said the impact of that focus has been immediate. “We’ve got life coaches coming in. We’ve got people we can talk to about stress, school, everything. Coach DeBoer wants us to win in life. He’s not just trying to get wins on Saturday. That means a lot, especially in a program this big where it’s easy to feel like just a number.”
Of course, some players still miss Saban’s presence — and openly say so. For many, Saban wasn’t just a coach but a father figure, a motivator, and a relentless source of inspiration. But those same players also express gratitude for the chance to learn from a new leader and to continue writing the next chapter of Alabama football history.
Even the locker room dynamics have shifted. With DeBoer’s more approachable style, there’s a growing sense of player empowerment. Team captains have been encouraged to speak up more often, and leadership councils now have more input on travel schedules, team-building activities, and even meal planning. The culture is slowly evolving — not away from excellence, but toward a more inclusive and collaborative model.
Still, the pressure hasn’t gone anywhere. Alabama is Alabama. Expectations remain sky-high. And with a roster loaded with talent, the microscope will only intensify as the season approaches. The players know this. The staff knows this. And DeBoer knows it more than anyone. That’s why, despite the differences, one thing remains crystal clear — the standard hasn’t changed.
“We might say things differently. We might run different plays. But at the end of the day, we’re still chasing championships,” said Milroe. “Coach DeBoer knows what it means to wear this jersey. And we’re behind him.”
As the season inches closer, all eyes will be on how this new Alabama team — forged in transition, guided by a new voice, but rooted in the same championship DNA — will respond when the lights are brightest. For now, the players’ voices offer the most revealing look yet at a program evolving, a dynasty adjusting, and a new era taking shape — one practice, one conversation, and one belief at a time.
