Although Nick Saban is no longer the star of Alabama, it would be foolish to discount his value as a resource. Saban brought the Crimson Tide six titles and added another at LSU.

The legendary coach pledged to help his replacement at Alabama, and it appears that Nick Saban has been keeping his end of the agreement now that we know who that coach is—former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer.

DeBoer recently mentioned that Saban is only a phone call away on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning” (h/t On3).

“He’s been excellent. He may have missed a call once, but he always called me back a little over five minutes later. He’s simply been incredible,” DeBoer said.

Although Saban is clearly DeBoer’s go-to man, it looks like he’s also been a valuable asset for newly hired Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.

Wommack was hired by DeBoer from his position as head coach at South Alabama. The two have history together as Wommack was Indiana’s defensive coordinator during DeBoer’s tenure as the Hoosiers’ offensive coordinator. However, even a strong working relationship cannot equal the wisdom that comes from Saban, who is regarded as one of the greatest defensive football minds of all time.

DeBoer stated, “I know that Kane Wommack and the defensive staff are eager to continue talking ball.” “We have excellent coaches on staff, but you must make sure you coach Saban with that resource.”

READ ALSO:

Alabama makes Nick Sheridan, JaMarcus Shephard promotions official

On Tuesday, Alabama football kept confirming coaching appointments that were previously known. Nick Sheridan and JaMarcus Shephard received official promotions from the Crimson Tide following the departure of former offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL.

Sheridan, the tight ends coach who had succeeded DeBoer in Washington, is currently the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Crimson Tide. Shephard became the assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator while continuing to coach wide receivers.

“We are thrilled to have Nick and JaMarcus join us at Alabama. They are both fantastic coaches,” DeBoer stated in a UA athletics news release. They understand our goals on that side of the football field and have experience with our offense. At every stage of their careers, they have demonstrated themselves to be outstanding instructors and recruiters, bringing a great deal of passion and energy to their work.

Sheridan has prior experience as an offensive coordinator. Sheridan received the promotion after DeBoer left Indiana after the 2019 season, and he served in that capacity for two seasons.

Over the previous two years at Washington, he coached tight ends for DeBoer.

In the press release, Sheridan stated, “Joining Coach DeBoer at Alabama is a tremendous opportunity.” “I’m excited to collaborate with this offensive staff to create a weekly plan that will position our team for success. I recognize the significance of maintaining Alabama’s unrivaled legacy while helping our players progress.

With the Huskies last season, Shephard contributed to the development of one of the best passing games in the league. Rome Odunze led the wideout group with 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns.

He also served as a coach at Western Kentucky, Purdue, and Washington State.

Shephard stated in the release, “I have a passion for coaching and developing our football players both on and off the field.” “I’m really proud of the opportunity to work with Coach DeBoer to help Alabama maintain its high standards. This is a unique location, and I am thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead of us.