ESPN Exclusive: Kevin DeBoer shortly passed away at the age of… more details

The job of replacing a head coach who won a championship may be the most difficult in the business. Kalen DeBoer of Alabama may be facing the most difficult job in college football history when he takes over for Nick Saban, a coach who is widely regarded as the best to ever lead a team. Jalen Milroe, the coach’s new quarterback, and the motto Milroe has championed for the Crimson Tide—”Let All Naysayers Know”—are the only things that can dispel any doubts regarding DeBoer’s capacity to thrive in such a high-pressure environment. In January, Alabama hired DeBoer after his brief but successful time at Washington. Michael Penix Jr. became a Heisman Trophy finalist and a top-10 NFL draft pick because of his ability to bring out the best in quarterbacks. DeBoer and his staff oversaw Jake Haener’s career recovery before reuniting with Penix at Washington. DeBoer had previously served as Penix’s quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at Indiana. In 2021, Haener passed for nearly 4,100 yards and 33 touchdowns for DeBoer’s 10-win Fresno State team. Alabama’s debut as a coach was marked by hints of yet another quarterback success story under DeBoer’s guidance. In the Crimson Tide’s 63-0 victory over Western Kentucky in Week 1, Milroe threw for 200 yards with just seven completions. Milroe also ran for a 12-yard touchdown in the first quarter, connecting with Ryan Williams for 86 yards. After a shaky opening drive in which Milroe took a sack and fumbled, it was an impressive comeback. He threw it less than ten times, which is not a large sample size. He took advantage of those opportunities, though. DeBoer praised Milroe’s “undervalued” qualities in reference to the quarterback’s performance. “I loved the touchdown pass to [Kendrick] Law, where he stepped up, was decisive, and had his eyes downfield,” the quarterback said. Milroe finished the day with three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns, which tied him for the fourth most he has ever scored in a single Alabama game. Milroe will be demonstrated by any number of SEC defenses that the Hilltoppers were unable to withstand. Still, the quarterback made a significant first step toward becoming a Heisman contender immediately after Penix left Washington. Milroe said after Saturday’s victory, “It was awesome,” about how he and DeBoer had grown closer during the offseason. The fact that all of the work that was done in the shadows is now shining through is what made it so awesome. Additionally, I am ecstatic for our offense and football team because I have witnessed so much growth.