It’s been a hectic several months for Kane Wommack. After Kalen DeBoer was hired to replace Nick Saban as Alabama football’s head coach in January, the former South Alabama head coach jumped onboard as defensive coordinator.

On Tuesday, following the Crimson Tide’s fifth practice of preseason camp, Wommack was asked what has surprised him. He brought up enjoying Tuscaloosa life, from how the town was built to the water surrounding it.

Wommack also mentioned the help he had received from an unexpected source.

“I think one of the things that I didn’t expect and didn’t realize is how giving coach Saban (is) and how good he’s been to me,” Wommack said. “To have that relationship, to be able to draw things upon his experience, and it has really lessened the learning curve for me. And it was something that I didn’t necessarily expect or anticipate, but I’ve been really appreciative of how open coach Saban has been.”

Saban was a defensive coordinator before becoming a head coach, so he focused on that side of the ball during his 17-year tenure with Alabama, when he and the Crimson Tide won six national championships. Saban was especially involved with the defensive backs.

Now, DeBoer is head coach, taking a more offensive-minded approach. He can and has discussed the job with Saban, but Wommack can perhaps make even more use of the former coach, who now works for ESPN and remains in an advisory role at UA.

“We’ve met multiple times in person,” Wommack said. “We’ve talked on the phone a number of times. When I call, he answers, which is really awesome, so very appreciative of that.”

Alabama began preseason camp July 31 and conducted practice No. 5 on Tuesday. The Tide will be back on the practice field again Wednesday.

UA opens the 2024 season on Aug. 31, when Western Kentucky visits Bryant-Denny Stadium.