New Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer needed to keep a few familiar faces around when building his new staff. DeBoer, lacking much recruiting experience in the SEC footprint, opted to hold on to two members of Nick Saban’s staff, with Freddie Roach and Robert Gillespie remaining in Tuscaloosa.

DeBoer discussed why those two were important to hold on to while attending a Senior Bowl practice Wednesday in Mobile.

“First of all you listen to what people around the program had to say,” DeBoer said. “In regards to their relationships with the players, how strong their position groups were, who they are as people, as well as what their impact has been in recruiting.”

The Crimson Tide’s defensive line coach Roach, who played his college football at Alabama, joined Saban’s staff before the 2021 season. Roach has had a hand in developing some of UA’s top talents, including Justin Eboigbe, who is set to play in the Senior Bowl Saturday.

Gillespie also came on to coach UA’s running backs before the 2021 season. He is one of the Tide’s best recruiters, and has the southern experience the DeBoer staff needs after stints at North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina.

When Saban announced his retirement on Jan. 10, the transfer portal opened to Crimson Tide undergraduates for 30 days. According to DeBoer, Gillespie and Roach were key in keeping the roster together as much as possible.

“These guys have been amazing,” DeBoer said. “They helped us keep the team together I think, through some tough times, even before I was hired. I think they had a huge impact on that. And then once I got here, just locking arms with them and trusting them. Just like I ask the guys to be all-in on me, I’ve been all-in on them.”

Fans can get a first look at DeBoer’s first Alabama squad on April 13, which UA announced Tuesday will be its A-Day spring game date.