Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Alabama football’s head coach didn’t meet expectations. There’s plenty of places where a nine-win season and a bowl appearance would be cause for celebration under a new coach, but Tuscaloosa isn’t one of them, especially after Nick Saban’s tenure.

MOBILE, Ala. — Standing outside Hancock Whitney Stadium at the Senior Bowl where former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was getting looked at by NFL scouts, Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer spoke glowingly of what was to come for the Crimson Tide at quarterback.