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Alabama

Kalen DeBoer breaks down change in philosophy without Jalen Milroe

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh05/28/25griffin_mcveigh
Kalen DeBoer and Jalen Milroe by Butch Dill-Imagn Images
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer talks with quarterback Jalen Milroe during a 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt. (Butch Dill-Imagn Images)

Year One at Alabama looked a little different for Kalen DeBoer due to the quarterback situation. Jalen Milroe was the incumbent starter, bringing a skillset DeBoer was not used to. Not many players on the field were better athletes than Milroe and the Crimson Tide made sure to take full advantage.

A philosophy change certainly took place for DeBoer, explaining how so Tuesday at SEC Spring Meetings in Destin. With a goal of getting the ball in Milroe’s hand, the tough part for the Alabama coaching staff was figuring out what areas would receive less attention. DeBoer called the process a “balancing act” through the 13 games played.

“With Jalen, he just had added elements to his game,” DeBoer said. “He could throw the ball but you had to make sure you were utilizing, to benefit your team, what he could do with his legs. I think making sure you’re incorporating more offense where he can take advantage of that then forces you to figure out what you’re taking away. Because there’s still only so many snaps you play in a game or a season. Who’s touching the ball? It’s going to take away from someone else and you try to figure out that balancing act.”

Milroe is now in the NFL after being selected by the Seattle Seahawks this April. Somebody new will be undercenter for Alabama, most likely somebody who fits DeBoer’s style a little more. A pocket passer who is accurate downfield.

Luckily for him, the three guys competing for the starting job fit the bill. Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell are all quarterbacks more aligned with the type of player DeBoer would recruit for the system.

“We do have three guys that are probably more alike than different,” DeBoer said. “Jalen was certainly different, I mean that in a positive way, with the upmost respect for what Jalen’s game is all about. He’s got some special elements when it comes to running that I’ve never been able to coach or very few have seen.”

DeBoer has not officially announced who the starter will be for the Aug. 30 opener against Florida State. However, Simpson has been the name mentioned on multiple occasions by DeBoer and Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

Quarterback is going to look different in Tuscaloosa. Everyone will be hoping the overall are results are too, needing a few more wins in 2025.