In addition to DeBoer’s winning track record (104-12 before coming to Tuscaloosa), Dippre was immediately impressed by DeBoer agreeing to succeed arguably the greatest college football coach of all time.

There’s a different feeling within Alabama’s early practices that’s tangible, according to safety Bray Hubbard. Outside of just the general excitement for a new season, there’s a crispness in certain areas that wasn’t present a year ago, the result of a spring under a familiar coaching staff.

The Alabama Crimson Tide have been a dominant college football program throughout Nick Saban's tenure with the team. Since 2007, Alabama has claimed six national championships, most recently in 2020.