Saturday marked a significant change for Tuscaloosa as it was the first time in 17 years that the Alabama football program was not under the leadership of Nick Saban. Although Saban was no longer on the sidelines, his influence was still felt. New head coach Kalen DeBoer revealed that Saban had reached out before the season opener to offer his encouragement and support.
“We actually spoke before the game. He called me on Thursday, which was really meaningful for the team. He wanted me to let them know he was thinking about them, wishing them well, and cheering them on. It’s clear how much he cares about both the program and the individuals involved. I thought it was important to share that with the team,” DeBoer said on Monday.
Saban had a busy day on Saturday, starting with ESPN’s College GameDay in Texas before arriving in Tuscaloosa for the evening kickoff. His appearance at Bryant-Denny Stadium was met with enthusiasm, but this weekend’s game against South Florida will feature an even greater tribute.
The Alabama football program will honor Saban by naming the field after him during Saturday’s game. All former players who competed under Saban have been invited to participate in the ceremony.
“It’s going to be a fantastic night with the field named in Coach Saban’s honor. It’s a very special tribute. While the team will be occupied with pregame preparations and won’t be directly involved in the ceremony, the honor for Coach Saban is something we deeply respect. We’re committed to maintaining the high standards he set and ensuring our field remains a fortress just as it was during his 17 years here,” DeBoer said.
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