Alabama football is scheduled to take the field on Aug. 31 with a new head coach. When the Crimson Tide faces Western Kentucky at Bryant-Denny Stadium that day, with Kalen DeBoer making his debut replacing the retired Nick Saban.

It’s a long offseason until then, but things tend to move quickly in times of change. As his first season in charge approaches, here are three questions for DeBoer to answer.

How much will the system change?

When Saban hired coordinators, the Crimson Tide famously didn’t make many changes in response. Sure, the new bosses got to tweak some things, but overall, they had to change to fit Alabama’s system, not the other way around.

But DeBoer is new to the school. He’s not a Saban disciple either.

When Alabama takes the field next year, it could be an entirely new look. Last year’s Washington team relied on an elite quarterback in Michael Penix, maybe the TIde has a new face at that positon.

Or maybe DeBoer keeps much of the infrastructure in place. It will be interesting to see how much he deviates from the Saban formula.

Who will play quarterback?

Speaking of the quarterback spot, it might be up in the air now. Jalen Milroe has already announced his return for another season, but time will tell if he gels with the new coach.

Ty Simpson is also coming back, after coming to Tuscaloosa as a highly rated prospect out of Tennessee. Five-star Julian Sayin is already with the team as well.

Former Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers joined DeBoer at Washington just before his departure. Maybe there’s a scenario where he joins the Tide instead.

Maybe there’s another name. How DeBoer handles the most important position on the field will be a key factor in his year one success.

What will the staff look like?

ESPN reported that DeBoer’s offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb is getting a look to take over the head job at Washington. Alabama made a run at Grubb last season, and DeBoer might hope to keep him if Grubb doesn’t get the Washington job.

If Grubb isn’t the man, would DeBoer retain Tommy Rees in an effort to keep more of the roster together? What will become of all the Alabama analysts that Saban kept in the room through the years?

DeBoer will already need to hire a new defensive coordinator with Kevin Steele’s retirement. He could look internally to promote Trevaris Robinson from cornerbacks coach, or could look elsewhere.

With Alabama’s players getting a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal, DeBoer’s staff hires will be crucial.