There is no world in which finding a replacement for Nick Saban at Alabama was going to be an easy job — or one that many would jump at. Not that the Alabama job isn’t desirable, but following someone like Saban is an impossible ask. Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer jumped at the chance, anyways, with the support of Saban.

Kalen DeBoer took the job 261 days ago, but Saturday night felt like the moment he truly became Alabama’s head coach. He won over the roster during spring practice. The Alabama fan base largely hopped on board over the summer after a furious recruiting run.

Former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, left, and current Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer greet each other after appearing on the set of ESPN's SEC Now during the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) AP