Kalen DeBoer discusses how he built his Alabama staff, why he's 'not rebuilding, but reloading' in Year 1

Kalen DeBoer took some time to join The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, where he hit on a number of fascinating topics.

DeBoer became a household name over the last year and change, leading the Washington Huskies to the national title game, and taking over for Nick Saban after his retirement with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Now, he’s looking to continue Saban’s winning culture in Tuscaloosa, and he recognizes that all starts with his coaching staff and relationships, as he explained to McAfee and his crew during his appearance.

“We’ll build a great staff, that I know will have great perspective and be able to handle those things that people throw our ways, and try to bring doubt that can’t be sustained, but you just have to be convicted in who you are,” DeBoer said, regarding how he’ll continue Alabama’s winning ways. “I’ve had success in a lot of places, and I feel that can carry over. A lot of times, it’s just about simply building around people, and the relationships. The Xs and Os. Things like that. Football is football. I’m getting to know this part of the country very quickly. Not completely familiar with it. Got some people around me that certainly are.

“So we’re hitting the ground running. I’m excited about it. Building all these relationships, and making this next season. Not waiting around. Not rebuilding, but reloading.”

Additionally, DeBoer realizes that he’s late in the game right now, so he’s relying on some familiar faces to build his staff, but that shouldn’t be viewed as a detriment.

“It’s so critical, because it tickles down. The vibe and the culture you want in your program, that starts with your staff,” DeBoer added. “The players will bring that to life. But they have to have the buy-in and the people, and that we care truly about that. First and foremost. Not just the football aspect of it. I’d love to take more time, but in the days right now that we’re in, mid to late January already, we don’t have a lot of time. So fortunately I’ve got some people that I’m connected with, and I feel really good about.

“I think we’ve really done a good job, building the coaching staff. The on-field staff. Many of the people here have done an awesome job. We can’t help but look at them and give them a chance, and looking forward to this partnership with them.”

Alas, Kalen DeBoer has said all the right things since taking his talents to Alabama. We’ll see if he has the immense success Nick Saban had with the Crimson Tide moving forward. Big shoes to fill.