Kalen DeBoer is the new head coach at Alabama, arriving at Tuscaloosa as the successor to the legendary Nick Saban.

Stepping in to replace the GOAT is no easy task, and DeBoer’s personal coaching journey has contained its own set of twists and turns. Toward the end of his introductory press conference, DeBoer took a moment to reflect on his stint at Washington, a place he still refers to as “special.”

Ultimately, DeBoer believes Alabama is possibly “the only place” that would get him to leave his time with the Huskies:

“I need to thank some people back at Washington. It’s a special place to me. It really is, and this was one of the few places — maybe the only place — that I would’ve ever left (Washington for) to come coach at,” said DeBoer. “Because I understand what Alabama football is all about.”

DeBoer went on to express his love for the Washington program and wish the Huskies the best moving forward. But, moving forward, he’s focused on the work at hand and delivered his first-ever “Roll Tide!” as Alabama’s head coach.

“I just want to tell everyone because I know they’re watching. I just want to say I love you, I will miss you and I want nothing but the best for everyone back there,” said DeBoer. “The journey of the last two years has been special.

“I’m looking forward to the new journey that lies ahead. I’m looking forward to those new challenges here. Cannot wait as I said to roll up my sleeves with all of you with our team and go to battle each and every day, each and every week, each and every year.

“Thank you, and roll Tide!”

Here is the clip of DeBoer’s initial press conference with his “Roll Tide” coming after the 29-minute mark: