Rewinding Kalen DeBoer’s debut appearance at SEC Media Days

Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer made his first appearance at SEC Media Days on Wednesday in Dallas.

DeBoer took over as the Crimson Tide’s head coach after Nick Saban retired in January. He came to Tuscaloosa after taking Washington to a national championship game appearance in 2023.

Here’s a recap of what DeBoer had to say:

-- SEC commissioner Greg Sankey begins to introduce DeBoer.

-- DeBoer takes the stage. Says it’s great to be at SEC Media Days and thanks Sankey.

-- Begins to introduce the three players the Crimson Tide brought to Dallas, quarterback Jalen Milroe, defensive back Malachi Moore and offensive lineman Tyler Booker.

-- Mentions that it’s been six months for him in Tuscaloosa. Says the community has welcomed him and his family. Also discusses Nate Oats and the Alabama basketball team’s Final Four run, plus the softball squad’s Women’s College World Series trip.

-- Praises the staff he’s built in Tuscaloosa. Says Alabama had a “great spring.” Mentions that the Tide mostly maintained the roster through the transition.

-- Says Tide will start camp in two weeks. Praises team’s mindset.

-- Congratulates Nick Saban on the ESPY Icon Award he won. Thanks Saban for what he’s done to build foundation of Crimson Tide football.

-- DeBoer asked about Jalen Milroe’s locker room presence. Praises Milroe’s work ethic and ability through transition.

-- Asked about Malachi Moore and other leaders who have been at Alabama, and how he balances that with leaders he brought from Washington. Praises Moore’s love of the game and work associated with it. Says Moore is helping grow young secondary. Says Alabama has great players who have entered program, including Washington transfer. Says they knew they had to adapt and have done it well.

-- Asked about Alabama’s in-state players and what they’ve taught him about the Tide’s standard. Says he’s been taking notes and has worked to embrace what’s important to UA program.

-- Asked how much thinking he did before accepting Alabama job. Says there will only be on Nick Saban and he sees it as a great honor to get to take over the role and the program as Saban’s successor.

-- Asked about how he defines a great recruiter and for his general thoughts on recruiting. Says he knew how intense the SEC was. Says UA was behind after staff change, but praises how good the group is at recruiting, working relentlessly.

-- Asked about analysts being able to coach on the field now, specifically Chuck Morrell. Mention’s his relationship with Morrell goes back to South Dakota. Says Morrell and Kane Wommack have worked well together since he has arrived.

-- Asked what it’s been like adjusting to living in the south culturally. Says he sweats a lot more. Says people are what make places. Notes Tuscaloosa has great, passionate people and they have made transition smooth.

-- Asked what has surprised him about going to Alabama. Says he should never be surprised by what great programs do, says it’s been awesome to see players fully focused on “the main things.” Mentions how well Alabama’s players respect each other.

-- Reporters mentions he has hunted in South Dakota, notes people up there all knew the SEC well. Asked about how work ethic from working at Sioux Falls helped his career. Says stories from back then get bigger each time they’re told. Says experience helped him immensely.

-- Asked where he and Saban are the most similar. Says it’s how much they pour into their players.

-- That’s the end of the press conference.