Inside the first meeting between Alabama football and Kalen DeBoer. What he said to the Crimson Tide athletes

The humid Alabama air hung thick outside the locker room, but inside, there was an energy that made it seem like anything was possible. The Crimson Tide, with their 18 national championships, countless All-Americans, and players destined for the NFL, had gathered once more in the familiar space. But today, there was a different face at the front of the room—a new coach, one with a reputation for transforming offenses, a name that had risen quickly in the world of college football: Kalen DeBoer.

DeBoer, having taken over the reins of the program, stood confidently in front of the group, dressed in a sharp Crimson Tide polo. The room quieted, the players shifting in their seats, unsure of what to expect. Many had heard about his work as an offensive coordinator, his meteoric rise at Fresno State, and his innovative approach to the game. But this was Alabama, a program with a legacy that transcended every single player in the room. What could a coach like DeBoer—someone who had worked his way up from smaller programs—bring to the table?

With a steady voice, DeBoer began, making eye contact with each player as they sat in rapt attention.

“Gentlemen, I’m going to start off by saying something that I hope you all take to heart: this is not about me. This is about you. This is about the Alabama football family, and most importantly, it’s about a commitment to excellence that’s been here long before I arrived and will be here long after I’m gone.”

There was a murmur in the room, the players leaning in, sensing that this would be more than just another motivational speech. DeBoer paced slightly as he spoke, his presence commanding respect but also radiating warmth.

A Legacy of Excellence

“You’re a part of something special here. You wear that Alabama jersey for a reason,” he continued. “And I don’t have to tell you the history. It’s a history that’s built on dominance, toughness, and an unwavering belief that if you want to be the best, you have to outwork, outfight, and outlast everyone else in the room.”

The players, many of whom had been on championship teams themselves, nodded in agreement. The standard at Alabama was nothing short of perfection. National titles, Heisman winners, All-American honors—it all came with the territory.

“But here’s the thing,” DeBoer said, pausing for emphasis. “While history and tradition matter, the game of football is always evolving. And it’s our job as players and coaches to evolve with it. We don’t just live in the past; we create our future.”

He looked around the room, ensuring each player felt the weight of his words. “The key to success, to greatness, is adaptability. Football is no longer just about hitting harder or running faster. It’s about making smart decisions, having a football IQ that’s second to none, and understanding how to read the game on the fly.”

DeBoer had always prided himself on being an innovative mind, a coach who understood the nuances of the game. He knew that in a place like Alabama, where the team was physically dominant, the next step for the program was an offense that could balance power with precision.

“I know many of you are used to playing a certain way. You’ve been coached to win battles up front, to dominate with your strength. And that’s not going away. The foundation of this program will always be built on toughness. But we’re going to add something to the mix. We’re going to make sure that when we take the field, we are unpredictable. We will be able to break down a defense on every single play.”

He could see the wheels turning in the players’ heads, wondering what that would look like.

“By the end of this season, we’ll be one of the most balanced offenses in the country. We’re going to be explosive when we need to be, but we’re also going to grind it out when we need to. There will be no weakness in our game. We’ll work together as a unit, and we’ll attack the game with a mind-set that says, ‘We know you’re going to give us your best shot, but we’ve got something better in store.’”

Building Trust and Relationships

DeBoer’s tone softened as he addressed the players more personally. He understood that trust would need to be built. It wasn’t just about putting the right scheme on the field; it was about building a culture where the players trusted him, each other, and themselves.

“Gentlemen,” he said, “football is a team sport. It’s not just about the guys on the field. It’s about the guys on the sidelines, the coaches, and the support staff. And that’s where we begin. We’re going to be a family. That means holding each other accountable, pushing each other to be better every single day. Whether it’s in the weight room, on the practice field, or in the classroom, we are going to do this together.”

His eyes locked on the group of captains in the front row. “The leadership in this room matters. It doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or a senior. If you have a voice, use it. It’s your job to make sure the standard doesn’t drop, that we’re always pushing forward. Leaders make leaders, and that’s what I’m expecting from all of you.”

He let that message hang for a moment before continuing. “And don’t think for a second that I won’t hold you accountable. I’m here to push you, to get the most out of you. If you want to be great, there’s no room for complacency. You’ll hear me say it all season: If you’re not improving, you’re getting worse.”

Focus on the Details

As the players sat, absorbing his words, DeBoer’s focus shifted to the finer points of the game. He was a coach who loved the intricacies of football, and he intended to instill that passion in his players.

“We’re going to focus on the details. It’s not just about making the big plays; it’s about executing every play, no matter how small it might seem. From the first snap to the last, we need to execute. The best teams are the ones that don’t beat themselves. The best teams don’t make mistakes. They play disciplined, and they play smart.”

The room remained silent, everyone fully engaged. DeBoer’s words were powerful not because they were groundbreaking, but because they spoke to the heart of what Alabama had always been about—precision, attention to detail, and an unrelenting work ethic.

“I expect you to know your assignments inside and out. I expect you to know not just your job, but the jobs of your teammates around you. This is how we build trust. This is how we win.”

Embracing Competition

DeBoer knew the competitive nature of Alabama’s roster—every player in that room was used to being at the top of their game, to dominating their opponents. But he also knew that the hardest part of coaching at a place like Alabama wasn’t getting players to buy in; it was keeping that competitive fire burning day in and day out.

“You’re going to compete for everything,” he told them. “Your job, your spot on the depth chart, your place in history. The competition here is not just within your position group; it’s within the entire team. You should wake up every day with the mindset that you need to earn your spot. You should come to practice ready to compete with everything you’ve got.”

He paused for effect, then added, “And when we step onto the field, I want you to have one thought in your head: Win. Not just win the game, but win every play. Win every moment. Take pride in the fact that you are better than your opponent, and prove it.”

Finishing Strong

As he wrapped up, DeBoer’s message was clear: greatness wasn’t given—it had to be earned every single day.

“You have all the talent in the world. You’ve been coached by some of the best. But the thing that separates the great from the good is what you do when no one’s watching. How hard you work in the weight room when no one else is there. How much extra study you do to understand the game. How much you care about your teammates’ success.”

His final words echoed in the room, a call to action that resonated with the history of Alabama football.

“Gentlemen, we are going to win championships together. But that starts today. It starts with the choices you make right now, in this moment. Let’s set a new standard. Let’s make sure that when people look back at this team, they’ll remember it as one of the best Alabama’s ever had. Let’s get to work.”

With that, DeBoer turned and walked off the stage, leaving the room in silence. The players sat there for a moment, processing everything they had just heard. The atmosphere in the room was different now—there was a renewed sense of purpose. The journey ahead would be challenging, but they were ready.