Nick Saban will no longer coach at the University of Alabama, but his successor, Karen DeBoer, made it clear that the legendary head coach still has a presence.
As for how Saban, who retired after the Crimson Tide lost to eventual national champion Michigan in the CFP semifinals, will be involved going forward, DeBoer said Saturday that Saban “will be 100 percent accessible, right?” he said. I would have been an idiot if I didn't. ”
DeBoer led the University of Washington to the CFP national championship game and was replaced by Saban after the Huskies also lost to Michigan.
Mr. DeBoer, 49, added that Mr. Saban is “the greatest person that has ever been in this business.”
Saban, 72, surprised the college football world last week by announcing his retirement after 17 seasons and six national championships with Tuscaloosa.
In addition to introducing DeBoer as the Crimson Tide's new head coach during a press conference on Saturday, University of Alabama President Stuart Bell also highlighted Saban's accomplishments.
“Your legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of the university,” Bell said.
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne said he wanted Saban to remain head coach for as long as possible, but that he was ready when Saban decided to step down.
“As time went on, I was always preparing, hoping that I would never have to carry out my plans,” Byrne said.
That plan included getting input on Saban's replacement.
It would have been “irresponsible” not to do so, Byrne said.
DeBoer was the head coach at Fresno State two seasons ago in the NAIA and spent two more seasons as head coach at Washington before leaving for Alabama.
