Alabama Crimson Tide Athletic Director Greg Byrne just sent a message to the Kalen DeBoer doubters ahead of pivotal year three
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The Alabama Crimson Tide backed the Brinks truck up for Kalen DeBoer this offseason, and it’s created a lot of mixed reviews. But according to Alabama AD Greg Byrne, it was an easy decision, and one that was years in the making.
The Alabama Crimson Tide turned a lot of heads this offseason when, after just two years on the job, the athletic department, led by AD Greg Byrne, decided to give head coach Kalen DeBoer a seven-year contract extension that paid him near the top of the sport.
Some felt that it was rushed, and despite the year-over-year improvement, Alabama would have been better suited to wait and see what happens in the upcoming 2026 season before hitching such a hefty financial commitment to DeBoer. But according to Greg Byrne, that was never a consideration.
Kalen DeBoer Facts
- Won the SEC regular season in his second season at Alabama.
- Brought the Washington Huskies to the CFP National Championship for 2023-2024.
- Last three starting quarterbacks have been drafted.
Greg Byrne explains why Kalen DeBoer received a contract extension
“Kalen DeBoer [was] taking over a historic transition,” Byrne said on the Triple Option Podcast. “You know what Coach Saban means to our university, and we are forever grateful to him. And at the same time, too, we knew at some point he was going to retire. And when we looked at that and saw as the world was changing to what we’re dealing with today, with the transfer portal and the NIL and things that we should have been more progressive about as an industry, but we weren’t.”
“We’re dealing with that right now. Kalen was, I really felt had the demeanor, had the coaching chops and history to come and navigate this world… Kalen and his staff are recruiting at a very high level. We got to make sure we continue to tweak it to give us the best opportunity for long-term success. And we needed Kalen to lead that, not have instability, not have our third head coach in four years. That’s not good for anybody.”
How Kalen DeBoer can make Alabama look smart
It’s unrealistic to say that it has to be a championship or best for the Crimson Tide in 2026. Alabama is being severely underestimated in my opinion, but placing national championship pressures on any coach and or program is extreme in the modern dynamics of the sport.
However, a successful season for Alabama in 2026 will be based on building on what happened last year. Meaning a better showing in the SEC Championship. Not getting blown out in the Rose Bowl. Having yet another quarterback look elite.
That is what Alabama and, more specifically, Kalen DeBoer need in 2026.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Alabama Crimson Tide Athletic Director Greg Byrne just sent a message to the Kalen DeBoer doubters ahead of pivotal year three
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