Jalen Milroe Reveals Biggest Difference Between Kalen DeBoer And Nick Saban

Jalen Milroe is still getting used to how Kalen DeBoer operates ahead of the 2024 season, courtesy of the latest edition of "Next Up with Adam Breneman."

Saban coached Milroe throughout last season before retiring after the Rose Bowl. The Alabama Crimson Tide lost in overtime to the Michigan Wolverines, who went on to win the national championship.

At a recent practice, Milroe completed a great throw downfield. While everyone was celebrating, the Alabama quarterback looked at his coaches for signals.

It came as a shock to Milroe that DeBoer waited for the Alabama QB to celebrate.

"...I threw a really good deep ball down the field and a really good pass, and everyone was celebrating. I was looking at the sideline to get the next play and the next signal," Milroe said. "I get done with my rep, and coach DeBoer comes to me like, 'Hey, what happened?' I look down, and he's like, 'I thought you was celebrating running down the field.'"

With DeBoer, he wants his players to be excited when big plays happen and live in the moment.

"I was like, 'Coach, I was just worried about the next play.' He's like, 'well I want you to celebrate. I want you to be excited. I was like, 'All right, this is different.'"

Milroe had 2,834 yards passing with 35 total touchdowns in 2023, his first season as Alabama's starter. Something to watch will be how DeBoer influences Milroe's stats in 2024.

Alabama opens the year with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Aug. 31. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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