Malachi Moore Reflects on His First Season Under Kalen DeBoer and Discusses His Preparation for the Future
When Malachi Moore announced he would return for another season with the Alabama Crimson Tide, few could have anticipated just how transformative the 2024 season would be — for him, for the program, and for the entire culture of Alabama football. A stalwart on defense, Moore’s journey under new head coach Kalen DeBoer not only reaffirmed his leadership value but also challenged him to evolve in ways he hadn’t yet imagined. Now, with the season behind him and eyes set firmly on the future, Moore opened up about his reflections and preparation for what lies ahead.
A New Era Begins
The departure of Nick Saban marked the end of an unprecedented dynasty in college football, and with it came significant uncertainty. Kalen DeBoer, formerly of Washington, stepped into one of the most scrutinized jobs in sports. For players like Moore — who had been recruited and developed under Saban’s system — the transition brought understandable trepidation.
“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t an adjustment,” Moore admitted during a recent media session. “Coach Saban was all I knew. From the way we practiced to how we handled ourselves day-to-day, it was ingrained. But Coach DeBoer came in and immediately earned our respect. He didn’t try to be Saban — he was himself, and that made it easier to buy in.”
The early months under DeBoer were marked by intense meetings, culture resets, and establishing new expectations. DeBoer’s offensive mind is well-documented, but his ability to connect with the defense — largely through his coordinators and personal interactions — impressed veterans like Moore.
“He sat down with us seniors,” Moore said. “He asked what we thought made Alabama great and what we wanted to keep. That meant a lot. It wasn’t just him coming in and ripping everything up. He honored the past while setting a clear vision for the future.”
Adapting on the Field
Moore, a versatile defensive back known for his football IQ and instinctive play, had to adjust to a slightly different system under DeBoer and new defensive coordinator William Inge. While Alabama’s defense remained aggressive, there was a greater emphasis on flexibility, disguise, and communication.
“Coach Inge wanted us to be more fluid,” Moore explained. “It wasn’t about being robotic and just executing assignments; it was about understanding concepts fully so that we could react and adapt faster on the field. It took a minute to get there, but once we did, you could see us flying around.”
Statistically, Moore enjoyed one of his most complete seasons. He recorded career highs in tackles, pass breakups, and quarterback pressures. Beyond the numbers, his leadership stabilized a defense that experienced some early season inconsistencies as the team adjusted to new schemes.
“There were games early where we made mistakes,” Moore said. “But no one pointed fingers. That’s the culture Coach DeBoer built. Accountability, but also belief.”
Moore’s experience — from nickel corner to safety to occasional linebacker in sub-packages — made him invaluable. Teammates described him as the “glue” of the defense, a player whose communication and calm under pressure set the tone for younger teammates.
Personal Growth and New Challenges
One of the biggest shifts for Moore personally was embracing a more vocal leadership style. Historically, Moore had led by example, letting his preparation and play do the talking. Under DeBoer’s encouragement, he stepped more into a mentor role.
“I had to get comfortable speaking up more,” Moore admitted with a chuckle. “Coach DeBoer kept pushing me, saying, ‘You’ve earned the right to be heard.’ It was uncomfortable at first, but now I see how important it was.”
This included film sessions, weight room workouts, and even sideline adjustments during games. Moore became an extension of the coaching staff on the field, helping younger players like Caleb Downs and new transfer additions grasp the nuances of Alabama’s system.
Off the field, Moore grew as well. DeBoer introduced new mental conditioning programs, emphasizing mindfulness, focus, and stress management — areas Moore now credits for his improved consistency.
“I used to beat myself up after every bad play,” Moore reflected. “Now, it’s about the next rep, the next opportunity. That shift helped my game more than I can even explain.”
Preparing for the Future
Now, as he looks ahead, Moore faces another critical juncture in his career. With NFL aspirations very much alive, his preparation has intensified. But Moore is clear: he’s not just thinking about himself.
“My first goal is to leave this place better than I found it,” Moore said. “That’s the Alabama way. Whether it’s helping the next group of guys or making sure we uphold the standard, that’s where my focus is.”
His offseason plan reflects that mindset. Moore has committed to leading offseason workouts, helping install DeBoer’s Year 2 refinements, and mentoring rising players expected to step into larger roles.
Individually, Moore is focusing on fine-tuning aspects of his game he believes will translate best to the next level: improving his man-to-man coverage, refining his tackling technique, and maintaining elite conditioning.
“You can’t get comfortable,” he said. “The margin for error gets smaller every year. I’m treating every day like it’s a job interview.”
Moore has also embraced opportunities to sit down with DeBoer and the defensive staff to break down NFL tape, analyzing how professional defensive backs operate in today’s complex passing offenses.
“We’re not just watching college film anymore,” Moore said. “We’re studying the best in the world — guys like Minkah [Fitzpatrick], Derwin James, guys who can do it all. That’s the standard.”
DeBoer’s Influence Moving Forward
When asked about DeBoer’s long-term impact, Moore didn’t hesitate.
“Coach DeBoer is building something special,” he said. “It’s different than Coach Saban, but it’s strong. It’s player-driven, relationship-focused, and really detailed. Guys are going to want to come play for him.”
Indeed, Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up as one of the nation’s best, thanks in large part to DeBoer’s energy, vision, and the trust players like Moore have placed in him.
“We had a lot of reasons to transfer when Coach Saban retired,” Moore said honestly. “But most of us stayed because we believed in the future. And now, looking back, I’m glad I did.”
Moore believes Alabama will continue to be a national contender, but with a slightly different personality — one that blends the discipline of the past with a more modern, adaptable mindset.
“You’ll still see that toughness, that swagger,” Moore smiled. “But you’ll also see a team that’s a little looser, that plays for each other a little differently. It’s exciting.”
A Legacy Defined by Resilience
As his Alabama journey winds down, Moore is keenly aware of the legacy he leaves behind. For him, it’s not just about championships, awards, or draft status — though those are certainly within reach. It’s about being remembered as someone who embodied the spirit of Alabama football during one of its most challenging transitions.
“I hope people say I was consistent,” Moore said thoughtfully. “That I showed up every day, that I cared about my teammates, that I never let circumstances define me.”
In many ways, Moore’s career arc — from freshman sensation under Saban to veteran leader under DeBoer — mirrors Alabama’s own story of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance.
“I grew up here, really,” Moore said. “And I’m proud of the man I’m leaving as. That’s what matters most.”
As spring turns to summer and preparations for the next chapter intensify, one thing is clear: Malachi Moore’s imprint on Alabama football is permanent — a bridge between eras, a beacon of leadership, and a symbol of what it means to wear the Crimson Tide jersey with honor.