The head coach of Alabama football is an offensive strategist who genuinely takes pleasure in watching the defense.
In addition to attending every defensive position meeting in the 4th Quarter Program, Kalen DeBoer has been
scouting the Crimson Tide defense early in spring practice.
The 49-year-old’s goal is to assemble a full team that attacks purposefully on both sides of the ball. Every play, he
wants to know what the defensive backs, linebackers, defensive linemen, and his defensive assistants are thinking.
Despite Nick Saban’s 17 years of great respect at Alabama, the defensive players are enjoying the focus DeBoer is
giving them.
A few players mentioned how easy the switch from Saban to DeBoer has been in their remarks on Wednesday. These
players included Quandarrius Robinson, Tim Smith, Tim Kennan III, and Malachi Moore.
Fifth-year defensive lineman Smith expressed his admiration for DeBoer’s ability to focus on both sides of the ball.
Regarding DeBoer spending time with Alabama’s defensive players, Smith stated, “It means a lot to us.”
“To see that he is an offensive head coach, but you are also acknowledging and paying attention to how I work,” That
way, the players may feel secure and understood knowing that I’m not being forgotten. It excites the lads to see your
head coach, which is something I like and love. It’s like, “Aye, I’m going to turn up and do this drill a little harder,”
when you see him. Thus, it’s a positive thing. I enjoy it.
The fifth-year outside linebacker, Robinson, expressed his happiness at “getting to know Coach DeBoer.”
He declared, “Coach DeBoer is a really cool guy.”
Robinson agreed with Smith that DeBoer’s interest in defensive meetings is a positive development.
Regarding his anticipation for DeBoer to attend defensive meetings, Robinson responded, “Definitely.” It seems to
be saying a lot. It demonstrates his awareness of and concern for what occurs in other conference rooms.
Under DeBoer, the Tide have so far had success.
After Friday, Alabama will have 12 more spring practices, which include the yearly A-Day Game on Saturday, April 13
at Bryant-Denny Stadium at 3 p.m. CT.
