The Standard Doesn’t Change at Alabama, Regardless of Who the Coach is

Alabama's recruiting has taken the college football world by storm once again, with the Tide pulling national champion-winning head coach Nick Saban from the bullpen while current Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was at the funeral for Kiersten Russell, the twin sister of Alabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell.

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Saban's reappearance in Tuscaloosa had led to opposing fans questioning DeBoer, doubting that the Tide's current head coach could get the job done in Tuscaloosa. However, Alabama running back Jam Miller joined Pete Nakos of On3 Sports to quell the storm around the expectations in Tuscaloosa.

Many question if the Tide will regress to the mean with a new head coach, legal NIL in college football, and a hyperactive transfer portal. Jam Miller says the standard at Alabama hasn't changed.

"It really doesn't matter who's in the office," Miller told Nakos, "Saban or DeBoer. Coming to Alabama, they only have one standard, and that's winning a national championship."

It's been four seasons since Alabama last hoisted the national championship trophy, but only one season since Alabama claimed the SEC title in Atlanta. Miller was a key part of the Tide's victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in 2023. Miller knows the championship-caliber level of play necessary in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama currently has the sixth-best odds to win the national championship for the 2025-26 season, with +1000 odds. Georgia (+600) and Texas (+550) are the two SEC teams ahead of Alabama in odds to win the national championship.

Miller, a 5-foot-10, 218-pound running back from Tyler, Texas, is returning for his senior season and second season as the starting running back at Alabama. In 2024, Miller rushed for 668 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.