Alabama football and coach Kalen DeBoer didn't have the season it wanted in 2024, finishing 9-4 with three losses to unranked opponents.
It was a bumpy road for DeBoer, as the Crimson Tide coach transitioned the program into its first season without legendary coach Nick Saban , who retired after the 2023 season.
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In fact, Saban believes DeBoer has laid the groundwork to lead Alabama back to its standard in 2025.
"I think (DeBoer) is doing a great job," Saban said during the Nick Saban Legacy Awards ceremony on Monday night in Birmingham via WBRC-TV . "I think there was so much in the transition. Last year, it was very, very difficult. A lot of players left when we retired, which I hated to see. The coaching changes, the staff changes. Players really relate to people in the organization, so when you change a lot of those people, it's a big change for the players.
"I think the team this year is much more grounded in terms of what Coach DeBoer really wants. He's been great with me. He comes and sees me. We talk all the time. He's always invited me to come to practice. I've tried to keep my distance because I don't want to meddle in what he's trying to do. I think they have the right staff, I think they have the right people and I think you'll see a big improvement in Alabama 's team this year."
DeBoer has a new starting quarterback in 2025, as Ty Simpson was named Jalen Milroe 's replacement in the preseason. Milroe, who was the full-time starter for two seasons at Alabama, was drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks .
Alabama returns numerous key pieces, however, with receiver Ryan Williams , offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor , offensive guard Jaeden Roberts and defensive tackle Tim Keenan all back in 2025, to name a few. The Crimson Tide should contend for one of the best offensive line units in college football in front of Simpson.
Alabama was ranked No. 8 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, which is third among SEC teams, only behind No. 1 Texas and No. 4 Georgia.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Nick Saban expects Alabama, Kalen DeBoer to improve in 2025
