Kalen DeBoer ran through the standard fare for a college head coach’s introductory press conference. He was so excited to introduce his family to the Tuscaloosa community. He couldn’t wait to get to work upholding the legacy of his new school.

Then, DeBoer lowered his gaze from the podium and rested his eyes on the man who helped fortify the Alabama standard, Nick Saban.

“Coach Saban, thank you for all you’ve done, for laying the foundation for myself, and the rest of this staff that we hire and these players to continue to build on everything you’ve done here. So, thank you. He’s the best in the business to ever do it. I’m just going to make sure that’s all known, that’s how I feel,” DeBoer said on Saturday from a swanky suite in the north endzone of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

DeBoer also made it clear his policy on Saban showing up around the facility: “And 100% access to everything. I would be a fool if that wasn’t the case, I would be a fool. … I’m going to ask him that he shows up and make sure he gives me at least one thing every day. I’m sure he’s going to have 10 I’m going to be good with that, but at least one thing that he sees, that we can get better at.”

Terry Saban, seated to her husband’s right, lightly shook her head while a room full of trustees and boosters laughed.

Nick Saban had entered the room along with Miss Terry, UA president Stuart Bell and athletic director Greg Byrne shortly before the 1 p.m. start time. Saban wore a crimson blazer and punk shirt, shaking hands and smiling while an office was prepared elsewhere in the building.

“I take it as quite an honor to be honest with you,” DeBoer said of replacing the seven-time national champion. ” … Great ones that have been at places, a Chris Petersen at UDub (Washington), a Jeff Tedford, a Pat Hill at Fresno (State) and others down the long and embracing everything about it that made that place great. And especially the great people, and in these particular cases, the great head coaches. Embracing that, learning as quickly as possible.”

Saban retired on Wednesday, shocking the team and UA fans alike. The 72-year-old cleared out his office the next day. He reportedly shared kind words with employees within the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility. Saban said in a statement that DeBoer has a “proven track record.”

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].