The hire has been made. Kalen DeBoer is replacing Nick Saban as Alabama football’s head coach and was introduced in the role Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Now it’s off to work. Athletics director Greg Bryne asked Crimson Tide players to give him 72 hours to land a new coach, and completed the task in 49.

DeBoer has to figure out how to keep the roster together, absent the legendary coach he’s replacing. When asked about it after his introduction, he acknowledged the risk of other programs swooping in to try and poach from the Tide.

“It’s real strong,” DeBoer said of the risk. “It’s really strong. I don’t care where you’re at, if you see an opportunity to add to your team, and especially if it might hurt one of your competitors, you’re gonna do that. Unfortunately that’s the situation that college football, college athletics, is in right now where those things can happen pretty quickly and in many cases there’s not much as far as consequences if you’re not handling things the right way.”

Since Saban’s retirement, three Alabama players have indicated they’re entering the portal, including wide receiver Isaiah Bond, and defensive back Dezz Ricks and Antonio Kite. More might come in the coming days, but the group mostly stayed together, as Byrne requested.

After he met with the team for the first time Friday evening, DeBoer continued chatting with his new players.

“I’ve had multiple meetings last night, today with them individually, leadership groups,” he said during his introductory speech. “I know how badly they want to continue the tradition, how they want to do it the right way. And them just getting to know me here in just a few hours, it’s been a blast and I can’t wait for the journey that lies ahead.”

DeBoer’s first game as Alabama head coach is scheduled for Aug. 31 at Bryant-Denny Stadium against Western Kentucky.