Kalen DeBoer brought the heat with fourth-quarter fire, channeling his inner Nick Saban

Kalen DeBoer brought the heat with fourth-quarter fire, channeling his inner Nick Saban

 

Alabama football fans have been eager to see some sideline intensity from head coach Kalen DeBoer this season. Unlike Nick Saban, who is known for his fiery demeanor, DeBoer typically maintains a calm demeanor and keeps his emotions in check.

 

 

 

 

However, that changed on Saturday during Alabama’s 34-0 victory over Missouri. Throughout the game, DeBoor was noticeably more animated on the sidelines. He was actively engaging with the referees in response to some questionable calls—a recurring issue in the SEC. He also wasn’t hesitant to challenge his players, with a standout moment in the fourth quarter when he called out reserve OL Roq Montgomery after a 60+ yard run by Richard Young.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saban is known for never settling and often critiquing his players for mistakes, even in lopsided games. He tends to stay composed during tight matches or when trailing, a trait DeBoer has mirrored. Yet, the fire DeBoer showed in the fourth quarter echoed Saban’s approach.

 

 

 

 

Coaching with a sense of urgency, DeBoer recognized the significance of the game—not just for a win, but to reaffirm his team’s standards and gain momentum before a critical bye week ahead of a tough road matchup at LSU that could impact Alabama’s playoff chances.

 

 

 

 

The players picked up on DeBoer’s energy, playing with urgency throughout the game. This newfound intensity will resonate well with fans, demonstrating that DeBoer is starting to grasp the gravity of the Alabama coaching role and what it takes to succeed in Tuscaloosa.