Jalen Milroe Reveals One Very Big Difference Between Nick Saban And New Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer

It's the beginning of a new era for Alabama football. For the first time since 2006, Nick Saban won't be calling the shots from the sideline for the Crimson Tide. And it'll be up to former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer to fill some very big shoes.

Saban was known for his no-nonsense coaching style. For 17 seasons, the Tide played "Joyless Murderball." They'd dominate their opponents and move onto the next without fuss. Saban expected greatness, and that's what he got — in the form of six national titles, nine SEC championships and 133 NFL Draft picks. It ws all business, all the time.

But the culture is shifting. And on the latest episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe pinpointed the exact moment he knew things would be different under DeBoer.

At a recent practice, Milroe completed a great throw downfield. While everyone was celebrating, the incoming senior looked at his coaches for signals — ready to run the next play. It came as a shock to Milroe that DeBoer was waiting for him to celebrate, too.

"I threw a really good deep ball down the field and a really good pass, and everyone was celebrating. I was looking at the sideline to get the next play and the next signal," Milroe said. "I get done with my rep, and coach DeBoer comes to me like, 'Hey, what happened?' I look down, and he's like, ‘I thought you was celebrating running down the field.’"

Jalen Milroe Says Kalen DeBoer Wants To See Excitement Out Of His Players

"I was like, ‘Coach, I was just worried about the next play,’" Milroe recalled. "He’s like, ‘Well, I want you to celebrate. I want you to be excited. That was a really good pass.’ I was like, ‘All right, this is different.' …That just changed my perspective. I was like, ‘All right, bet.’"

Of course, that's not to say that one coaching style is better than the other. While not as tenured as his legendary predecessor, DeBoer still has plenty of success to show for himself. The 49-year-old got his first FBS head coaching opportunity at Fresno State in 2020, but he has quickly risen through the ranks. He led the Washington Huskies to a 14-1 record last season, ultimately losing to Michigan in the National Championship game.

And Saban won't be too far away, either. The Alabama athletic department has hired him — on a very lucrative salary — as a "professional" to help with the program, whatever that means.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer watches his quarterbacks go through drills during practice.

(Gary Cosby Jr. / Tuscaloosa News via USA TODAY Sports)

Still, DeBoer is the new guy in charge. And the Crimson Tide players seem pleased so far.

"As a player, that’s awesome, to have a coach that believes in you," Milroe said. "That makes you want to play even harder, for him and the team. So he’s been awesome thus far. Super excited for what the future holds for our program."

Milroe had 2,834 yards passing with 35 total touchdowns in 2023, his first season as Alabama's starter. Alabama will open the 2024 season against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Aug. 31.