This ain't your granddaddy's Crimson Tide. Entering Year 2 of the Kalen DeBoer era, loaded Alabama lacking its Nick Saban mystique.

Kalen DeBoer said he thought former Alabama football coach Nick Saban was enjoying his current role with ESPN.

Four years without a national championship feels like a severe drought for veteran Alabama players. Similarly, one year of missing the College Football Playoff has second-year coach Kalen DeBoer feeling the pressure to restore the Crimson Tide's status as one of the nation's top teams in 2025.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer needs the rumor of Nick Saban returning to coaching like a drowned man needs a drink. Hugh Freeze needs it even less.

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, a former offensive coordinator for Saban at Alabama, said he wouldn't be surprised. "I kind of always thought that was going to happen. I kind of thoug