Nick Saban is no longer leading Alabama football, but he didn’t go too far.

He is still on the university payroll in what has been described as an advisor role. He has an office at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Saban also still lives in Tuscaloosa. He has attended several games, sitting in a luxury box.

But how present has the legendary coach been around the football facility and the program under new coach Kalen DeBoer?

DeBoer was asked that question Wednesday on the SEC coaches teleconference before No. 11 Alabama will face No. 15 LSU on Saturday (6:30 p.m. CT, ABC) at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“He has really tried to keep his distance and just allowing … I know his mindset on it, and I guess that‘s probably the best way to approach to the answer,” DeBoer said. “He‘s trying to allow us to do our things as a staff. He knows he‘s welcome here anytime. I feel that way here just like I would have at other places where great coaches have been before me. I‘ve had this a few different times with retired coaches who live in the area. But Coach Saban has certainly tried to be over the top respectful, even though he doesn’t need to be. Anyone who has been a part of this program, alumni, coaches that have made it what it is, I always want them to be a part of it.”

Then DeBoer was asked a follow up whether he feels he has the space needed to do his job. DeBoer said he would be comfortable either way.

“I welcome great coaches, and that‘s obviously what Coach Saban would be,” DeBoer said. “He knows a lot about this program. I‘d always welcome that. I don‘t feel like it’s needed. But that‘s what it’s been.”

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.