Video essay: Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer’s moment of truth

Football is upon us and a new era of Alabama football is about to begin.

If it hasn’t sunk in yet that Nick Saban will no longer be on the sidelines of Bryant-Denny Stadium as coach of the Crimson Tide, it will hit you harder on Saturday. Alabama faces Western Kentucky in the season opener, the first game for new coach Kalen DeBoer.

The former Washington coach has yet to win or lose a game in Tuscaloosa, but for all intents and purposes, DeBoer successfully navigated many of the tests he faced in the offseason. He has said the right things in replacing a legendary coach. He hired good coaches like defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. DeBoer put to rest the idea that he and his staff wouldn’t be able to recruit out of the South. Look no further than five-star receiver Ryan Williams.

That’s all great, but DeBoer will ultimately be judged by what he accomplishes on the field. That starts this week.

To set the stage for the first game of the new era, AL.com put together a video essay, produced by Clay Yeager. You can watch it at the YouTube link above to get you ready for the first game of Alabama’s football schedule.