Nick Saban releases statement on Alabama's decision to hire Kalen DeBoer

On Friday evening, Alabama officially named Kalen DeBoer head coach. Only a couple hours later, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban released a statement on the hire.

“I want nothing more than to see Alabama football continue to be successful, and Coach DeBoer is an outstanding choice to lead this program,” Saban wrote. “He has a proven track record of success and is one of the brightest football minds. Coach DeBoer has an excellent understanding of what it takes to be a successful head coach, whether it’s coaching, recruiting, developing players, or building a culture.

“He has done a fantastic job at every stop of his coaching career, and I am excited to see what he will be able to accomplish in Tuscaloosa. Terry and I will be here to support Coach DeBoer and his family with anything they need.”

DeBoer couldn’t ask for a better mentor. After taking over the reins in 2007, Saban led the Crimson Tide to six national championships, including three titles in the College Football Playoff era.

He nearly added another trophy to his collection this season, falling to Michigan in overtime in the CFP semifinal. The 72-year-old head coach also won a national title at LSU prior to his time in Tuscaloosa.

Saban won 201 games at Alabama — tied with Vince Dooley (Georgia) for the second-most wins at a single school in SEC history. Saban only trails Bear Bryant, who won 232 games in his 25 seasons with the Crimson Tide.

Nick Saban stays consistent

Before Saban knew DeBoer was next in line at Alabama, he insisted he would be around to help his successor.

“I want to be there for the players, for the coaches, anything I can do to support them during this transition,” Saban told ESPN. “There are a lot of things to clean up, to help as we move forward. I’m still going to have a presence here at the university in some form and trying to figure out all that and how it works. This is a place that will never be too far away from Miss Terry’s and my hearts.”

Alabama will never turn down Saban’s company. As for DeBoer, he is simply excited for the opportunity to follow Saban’s legendary act.

“I have always had an incredible respect for Alabama football and its commitment to excellence,” DeBoer said. “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. He has been the standard for college football, and his success is unprecedented. I would not have left Washington for just any school. The chance to lead the football program at The University of Alabama is the opportunity of a lifetime.”