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Nick Saban expects to see 'big improvement' from Alabama in 2025

1918632_10206777287683070_1367905321192383146_nby: Charlie Potter08/19/25Charlie_Potter
Nick Saban
Nick Saban (Gary Cosby Jr. / Imagn Images)

Nick Saban knew that when he retired, it would create some adversity for the Alabama football program. A coaching change leads players and personnel to leave for other schools, and that’s exactly what the Crimson Tide experienced when the legendary coach stepped away.

Kalen DeBoer took over and led Alabama to a 9-4 record a season ago, and Saban, speaking at the annual Nick Saban Legacy Awards event, believes the former managed the change well.

“I think Kalen is doing a great job,” Saban said, via WBRC 6 News. “I think there was so much in the transition last year. It was very, very difficult. A lot of players left when we retired, which I hated to see. The coaching changes, the staff changes. Players really relate to people in the organization, so when you change a lot of those people, it’s a big change for the players.”

DeBoer is looking to lead Alabama back to the College Football Playoff after just missing out of the first-ever, 12-team field last year. Unlike last offseason, the Crimson Tide welcomed back a lot of veteran players and held onto its depth, as well, as no Alabama player entered the transfer portal during the spring window. UA brought back 14 starters (6 offense, 8 defense).

The familiarity in Year 2 under DeBoer is why Saban has a positive outlook for his former team.

“I think the team this year is much more grounded in terms of what Coach DeBoer really wants,” Saban said. “And he’s been great with me. I mean, he comes and sees me. We talk all the time. He’s always invited me to come to practice. I’ve tried to keep my distance because I don’t want to meddle in what he’s trying to do. 

“But I think they have the right staff, I think they have the right people, and I think you’ll see a big improvement in Alabama’s team this year.”

The Tide will kick off the 2025 season on the road at Florida State on Saturday, August 30.

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