New Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer got a huge endorsement Monday from a former player.
Philadelphia Eagles wideout DeVonta Smith, who won a national championship and a Heisman Trophy with Alabama in 2020, is one of the first former players to come out in support of the new coach.
Smith said he talked to DeBoer for two hours and came away impressed before sending a message to current players who are considering leaving the program.
“He’s a cool dude. He met with me for two hours and it wasn’t just about football,” said Smith. “He wants to get to know us. Any of these cats that are thinking about leaving need to meet with him immediately and if they still want to leave then they are idiots, and we don’t need them.”
Alabama DB Devonta Smith on HC Kalen DeBoer:
“He’s a cool dude. He met with me for two hours and it wasn’t just about football. He wants to get to know us. Any of these cats that are thinking about leaving need to meet with him immediately and if they still want to leave then… pic.twitter.com/Ta5zymMlQT
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) January 15, 2024
DeBoer said at his introductory news conference that all former players are welcome, and he’s going to need their support as he attempts to keep his current ones.
The Tide already lost one of their top receivers, Isaiah Bond, to the Texas Longhorns. There are rumors that All-SEC freshman cornerback Caleb Downs might be next.
DeBoer also lost defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson to the Georgia Bulldogs over the weekend, where he’ll take the co-defensive coordinator’s position.
Smith’s endorsement comes at a critical time for the new head coach.
