Alabama fans give massive welcome to Kalen DeBoer at Tuscaloosa airport
Alabama fans will have to get used to seeing a new head coach on the sideline. After Nick Saban retired, the team announced that Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer would be the new boss in Tuscaloosa.
The coach landed in Tuscaloosa on Friday and was greeted by a large swath of Crimson Tide fans who were thrilled to introduce their new coach.
Here’s video of his arrival:
Kalen DeBoer greets Alabama fans. pic.twitter.com/3ZncQm5EpX
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) January 13, 2024
Here’s a better look at the crowd that was on site to welcome DeBoer to Alabama:
The scene at Tuscaloosa airport with Kalen DeBoer set to arrive any minute pic.twitter.com/leszr1wTWm
— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) January 13, 2024
The coach, his wife, and 2 daughters got off the plane in Tuscaloosa and were instantly greeted by cheering Tide fans. The family was seen waving to the supporters. Also on the tarmac was Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne:
A man of the people @Greg_Byrne pic.twitter.com/T7TQMY8Gwv
— Ryan Phillips (@JournoRyan) January 13, 2024
Byrne was seen talking to the fans and thanking them for coming out. “Roll Tide guys, good to see ya,” Byrne can be heard saying in the video above.
The coach has huge shoes to fill, as the Tide won 6 National Championships under Nick Saban. DeBoer is used to winning, though, as the coach is less than 2 weeks removed from getting his team to the National Championship Game.
DeBoer will be officially introduced at a press conference on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.