Sad News: about a minute ago Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer dies in a car crash.
The most difficult part of Kalen DeBoer’s first six months as Alabama’s football coach was the first few days. DeBoer has described at several points this offseason the chaos that ensued when Nick Saban retired January 10, DeBoer accepted the job two days later and the transfer portal was wide open for players to leave.
DeBoer was able to speak with some players about their futures, but not each one. Some players left with minimal or no contact with DeBoer.
In total, 10 players entered the portal after Saban’s retirement and before the 30-day window closed — including two of the Tide’s early-enrolled incoming 2024 freshmen, Julian Sayin and Jameer Grimsley. One of those players, offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, returned to Alabama months later and acknowledged he should have listened more to DeBoer’s message.
Six players also decommitted from the Tide’s 2025 recruiting class in the days following Saban’s retirement. One of them, five-star wide receiver Ryan Williams, re-committed to Alabama weeks later.
Saban praised Williams for his decision Wednesday while on SEC Network’s set with DeBoer. The former Tide coach also offered commentary about tHe players who left.
“IÂ think it’s really important to note here that guys like Ryan, who had the patience to give you the opportunity to visit with him, to come and visit and guys just didn’t bolt without making an evaluation,” Saban said. “And I think some of those guys are probably sorry because Alabama is a special place and you’re going to do a great job there. I appreciate the Ryan Williamses of the world that did that.”
Here is a list of players that left through the portal after Saban’s retirement:
