Kalen DeBoer reveals how Greg Byrne addressed Alabama expectations in interview process

As is the case with every head football coach at Alabama, there are big expectations that Kalen DeBoer needs to live up to. That’s something that he understood throughout the interview process with athletic director Greg Byrne.

While making an appearance on Andy Staples On3, DeBoer was asked if Byrne flatly laid out the expectations. However, DeBoer revealed that he really didn’t and, instead, was focused on finding the right fit during the interview process.

“I don’t know if he put it in those words, but I think he’s trying to figure that out,” Kalen DeBoer said. “If this is the right fit. I think that’s really what it comes down to, the right timing, the right fit. Both ways.”

Kalen DeBoer is replacing Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. The success that Saban had during his 17 seasons running the Alabama program includes six national championships and is a big reason why Greg Byrne doesn’t need to break down the standard during the interview process. It’s already understood. However, that long run of success also makes the next hire that much more important.

“And as much as you might want someone to be the right fit for your university, you’re also just trying to figure it out because you only get one chance at this and you want to do it right the first time. So, it hasn’t been done for 17 years here and it’s a big move,” DeBoer said.

“So, I don’t really think the question was asked that way, but just a lot of conversation that helps you understand each other.”

DeBoer then went on to praise Byrne for the job he’s done at Alabama, as well as how much passion he has for the University of Alabama.

“It just jumped out at me how great of a pro Greg was, how much he just loved this place. I mean, it’s very well documented the opportunities that have come his way and he’s very highly sought after, but he just loves Alabama,” DeBoer said. “And has done an awesome job leading not just the football program but the whole athletic department as a whole. You look at all the accomplishments that are happening and his leadership is just paramount to that success.”

Greg Byrne came to Alabama from Arizona. Prior to that, he was the athletic director at Mississippi State. The last head football coach he hired was Rich Rodriguez at Arizona.