Kalen DeBoer took the main stage at SEC Media Days on Wednesday as he heads into year two in Tuscaloosa. The 2024 season was not what DeBoer and the Alabama fanbase were hoping for. The Crimson Tide missed out on the College Football Playoff and lost four games for the first time since the 2008 season. That was the first season for the legendary Nick Saban as Alabama’s head coach. Alabama has 17 seniors on the 2025 team after losing eight seniors from last season’s team. The main talking point for DeBoer was continuity. Alabama will have 17 seniors this season after only having eight for the 2024 season.
Kalen DeBoer at 2025 SEC Media Days
Alabama looks for continuity
DeBoer used the term continuity often while speaking to the media on Wednesday. When discussing where that starts for his team, DeBoer stated it begins with the coaching staff. Alabama mostly kept its staff from last season. The big addition, of course, was bringing back offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. He was supposed to be part of the Alabama staff last season, but took the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator position shortly after DeBoer was hired at Alabama.
The continuity, though, is not just coach-driven. “Continuity is a huge piece of what year two is all about right now”, said DeBoer. “That trickles down to the players.” Alabama returns several key players from the 2024 team. The Crimson Tide returns three offensive linemen in Kadyn Proctor, Parker Brailsford, and Jaden Roberts. At the playmaker positions, they return receivers Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, along with running back Jam Miller. Defensively, they return leaders Tim Keenan III on the defensive line and Deontae Lawson at linebacker. Players seemed to be focused, according to DeBoer. “I can’t tell you how impressed I’ve been with them just focusing on the main thing, and that’s the work”, stated DeBoer.
Update on the quarterbacks
It was expected that DeBoer would be asked about the quarterback position on Wednesday. He reiterated the same feelings that Grubb did at the conclusion of spring practice. If the Crimson Tide were to play a game tomorrow, Ty Simpson would be the starting quarterback for the team. He was very complimentary of Simpson, saying he throws a catchable ball, and he is smart. Leadership is the key for any quarterback attempting to win the team over. They are truly the ones who pick the quarterback.
“He’s got great relationships with the team. He’s a leader that way”, said DeBoer when commenting on Simpson. He is in his fourth season with the team and has waited his turn. Also in the mix at quarterback is Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Both received high praise from the head coach. When asked about the inexperience at the position, he circled back on the continuity among the coaches. He mentioned that the players have to execute because they have the tools.
Reuniting with Ryan Grubb
DeBoer is obviously very happy to have Grubb back as his offensive coordinator. Grubb worked under DeBoer at both Fresno State and Washington before heading to the NFL. Last season, Nick Sheridan served as the offensive coordinator when Grubb was hired by Seattle. “Him getting the chance to come here and just add to our staff at the level you’re talking about with an elite, elite offensive mind”, said DeBoer. Everyone has embraced Grubb on the staff, and so have the players, according to DeBoer. He added that the team has evolved as they get ready for the fall.
Main Image: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
