During the introduction of Alabama, Kalen DeBoer thanks UW: “I will miss you; I love you.”

Ala. Kalen DeBoer excitedly welcomed the opportunity to succeed and pick up tips from his legendary predecessor as he stood at a lectern a short distance away from Nick Saban.

Part of that is the enormous expectations that Saban leaves behind.

The 72-year-old former coach will have “100% access” to the program, according to the former Washington coach, who was hired two days after Saban announced his retirement. The coach also stated that Saban sincerely wants the Crimson Tide to continue winning. All of that makes it easier to be the guy taking over for the guy who, in 17 years, brought six national titles to Tuscaloosa.

“After being introduced at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, I felt sufficiently confident in my abilities and knew that you have someone who wants this program to be so successful,” DeBoer told reporters. “I really, truly think that all he wants is the best. Some say, “Eh, I want to be that legend and I do not want it to be as good as it was when I was there,” after they depart.

“That is obviously untrue. His desire is for this to be even better. His legendary reputation will never be called into doubt.”

While thanking “people back at Washington” and speaking about leaving his players who had come this close to winning a national championship, DeBoer also wiped away tears.