Video: Kalen DeBoer Greeted By Hundreds of Alabama Fans at Tuscaloosa Airport

zach bacharContributor IJanuary 13, 2024

Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Kalen DeBoer received a warm welcome in Tuscaloosa, as Alabama’s new head coach was greeted by hundreds of Crimson Tide fans at the airport.

Nick Kelly @_NickKellyA Rooooooooooooooollllll Tide Roll just broke out at Tuscaloosa airport pic.twitter.com/30oaAP1swJ

Nick Kelly @_NickKellyKalen DeBoer has arrived in Tuscaloosa pic.twitter.com/DLltGiOsfa

Students also gathered at the Mal Moore Athletic Facility as they awaited DeBoer’s arrival.

The Next Round @NextRoundLiveStudents lined up for the arrival of Head Coach Kalen DeBoer at the Mal Moore Athletic Facility. @AlabamaFTBL | #RollTide pic.twitter.com/z2twp2GIpV

DeBoer was announced as Alabama’s head coach on Friday following Nick Saban’s retirement on Wednesday. He wrapped up an exceptional two-year career with Washington, achieving a 25-3 record while recording multiple bowl wins.

Although the Huskies’ 2023 season came to a bittersweet end with a loss to Michigan in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, DeBoer has established himself as one of the most proficient offensive coaches in the sport.

“I have always had an incredible respect for Alabama football and its commitment to excellence,” he said in a statement released by the team. “The tradition-rich history of this program is unmatched across the landscape of college athletics, and I look forward to continuing that moving forward. Following Coach Saban is an honor.”

The Huskies averaged at least 36.0 points and 462 yards per game in both seasons under DeBoer. He should immediately help a Crimson Tide offense that finished No. 4 in the SEC in scoring, representing the school’s lowest rank since 2015.

DeBoer has already shown that he can turn a program around, now he’ll need to prove that he can still produce a high-scoring offense against some of the toughest competition that college football has to offer. It appears that Alabama’s fans are already excited about his ability to do exactly that.