Alabama AD Reached Out to Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, More in Aftermath of Saban Exit

When Nick Saban retired as Alabama's head coach after 17 seasons, athletic director Greg Byrne knew he needed to make the right decision for his replacement.

Per ESPN's Chris Low, Byrne said he enlisted the help of some of Alabama's most recognizable alumni from different eras and spoke to Joe Namath, Mark Ingram, Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith.

"Not to discuss candidates, but it was more, 'What do you think if you were in my shoes?'" Byrne said. "Because they may have had a piece of information I hadn't thought about, which is good."

Byrne ended up needing just over two days after Saban's retirement to decide to hire Kalen DeBoer as his replacement following his successful run at Washington.

DeBoer has a tough act to follow, as Saban led Alabama to six national titles and nine SEC championships during his tenure.

Last season, the Crimson Tide went 12-2 and lost to the eventual champion Michigan Wolverines in the Rose Bowl. DeBoer will be taking over a group that is motivated to bounce back in a big way in 2024.