Nearly everyone in Alabama is still getting used to the new leadership at the top of the Crimson Tide football program. Not even longtime UA broadcaster Chris Stewart is immune.

It took until the second week of the 2024 season for Stewart to invoke DeBoer’s predecessor on the “Hey Coach” radio show.

“You do get an opportunity to ask coach Saban a question,” Stewart said, giving instructions to the crowd at Baumhower’s Victory Grille.

DeBoer immediately broke into a grin. Stewart continued on for a moment before being alerted to the error and noticing the laughs from patrons at the restaurant.

“What did I say? Did I do it already?” Stewart said.

“Hey, he’s everywhere,” DeBoer retorted.

Nick Saban retired in January after 17 years as Alabama’s coach, during which time he won six national championships in Tuscaloosa. He was replaced with DeBoer, who joined the Crimson Tide fresh off a national championship appearance with Washington.

The former coach will be honored on Saturday, as the name of the playing surface at Bryant-Denny Stadium is officially changed to Saban Field.

“I don’t know who had it in the office pool, but let the record show, 6:46 on September the fourth, I finally did it, and I apologize,” Stewart said, checking his watch. “I’ll be doing JuCo games next week.”

DeBoer took the humorous moment in stride, letting Stewart know he didn’t have to apologize.

“If that’s what I’m called, I think I’m pretty good,” the coach joked.

Alabama football, led by DeBoer, will be back in action Saturday against South Florida, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. CT. The game will be aired on ESPN.