Kalen DeBoer was called by Nick Saban before to the Crimson Tide’s debut.

Kalen DeBoer was called by Nick Saban before to the Crimson Tide’s debut.

Before the season began, the renowned Alabama coach sent words of encouragement and best wishes.

For the first time in seventeen years, the Alabama football team was managed by someone other than Nick Saban on Saturday, ushering in a new chapter in Tuscaloosa history. Even though he was no longer on the sidelines, the seven-time national champion continued to leave his mark. Prior to the start of the season, Saban called to offer support and encouragement, according to new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

“In fact, we had a conversation before the game. The boys thought it was awesome that he called me on Thursday. He asked me to let them know that he is rooting for them, thinking about them, and sending his best wishes their way. You can tell how much he cares about each and every person in the program as well as the program itself.

Saturday was a busy day for Saban because he arrived in Tuscaloosa in time for the evening kickoff after spending the morning in Texas on the set of ESPN College GameDay. Even though he was welcomed with fanfare to Byrant-Denny Stadium, there will be even more during this weekend’s game versus South Florida.

Prior to the evening game on Saturday, the field will be named in Saban’s honor by the Alabama football program. Attendance at the ceremony is open to every player who competed for Saban at Alabama.

The field will be renamed in Coach’s honor, and it will be a great night. That truly is something exceptional. It’s one of those things where you know you’re going to play in it.

what’s going on, but the team is genuinely unable to participate in the event. We’re probably in the thick of preparation work for the game and the pregame dinner,” DeBoer remarked. “I know how much that will mean to Coach Saban, though, just to have that honor for everything he’s done here.” I’m confident that we hold it in high regard and will do all in our power to preserve our field and make it our home moving forward, just as we have done for the past 17 years that he has been here.