Kalen DeBoer was named as the successor to Nick Saban at Alabama on Friday afternoon. His first day on the job was a whirlwind.
The 49-year-old head coach spoke with his players at Washington and informed them of the news (even though they already knew from ESPN) before he hopped on a jet and took off for Tuscaloosa. He was met by hundreds of excitable Crimson Tide fans at the airport, shook hands for a moment, and then rushed off to tour his new facility and meet with his new players. His formal introduction took place on Saturday.
A recap video of DeBoer’s crazy 24 hours brings a lot of excitement surrounding the future of Alabama football. It also appeared to indicate the future at quarterback. Maybe.
Jalen Milroe, who loudly declared his intent to stay prior to the first team meeting of the new era, sat front row. He and his new college football coach shared a warm and joyful embrace.
Notice how the video only showed the interaction with the incumbent starting quarterback. That is of note.
It could allude to Milroe’s role moving forward. DeBoer was certainly thrilled to see him.
However, things could still change. College football is a business and it is fluid.
Will Kalen DeBoer continue forth with Jalen Milroe as the starter?
The first exchange between coach and quarterback was pretty indicative of their initial relationship. There is a clear mutual respect between the two.
Jalen Milroe, who could not be more likable, wants to be QB1 for Kalen DeBoer at Alabama. But there is some chatter about whether that feeling is reciprocated.
And that’s not a diss to Milroe!
It is not uncommon for a first-year coach to explore all of his options. That will still be the case.
DeBoer addressed the quarterback position during his introductory press conference.
Our offense will be quarterback-driven. We need to make sure, though, that the skill around him is all a threat to score from anywhere on the football field.
— Kalen DeBoer
He may choose to bring in another quarterback to compete with Milroe. He might bring in another quarterback with the intent of starting him over Milroe.
There is a chance that he may choose to pursue someone who is more of a “gunslinger,” like Will Rogers — who had transferred to Washington with plans of taking over DeBoer’s offense from Michael Penix Jr. Meanwhile, former five-star redshirt freshman Ty Simpson, four-star true freshman Dylan Lonergan and incoming five-star freshman Julian Sayin are waiting patiently for their opportunity to reach the top of the depth chart.
The former Huskies coach runs an offense that is based on timing and rhythm. Most importantly, though, DeBoer wants his quarterback to be a leader. Milroe is a phenomenal leader.
From there, everything else will shake out how it is supposed to.
A flexibility of our offense to work around the personnel is huge.
— Kalen DeBoer
Perhaps Milroe will be the guy. Perhaps not.
Either way, no matter who gets the nod, DeBoer and his offense are going to mold around the quarterback. Leadership is at the forefront!