On January 10, 2024, the college football world was rocked by the news of Nick Saban’s retirement. After years of dominating the sport, the legendary coach had decided to step down and pass the torch to his successor, Kalen DeBoer. While many were excited to see what DeBoer would bring to the table, there was also a sense of uncertainty and concern. After all, Saban had built a powerhouse program at Alabama and it was hard to imagine anyone filling his shoes.
One of the biggest challenges facing DeBoer was the inevitable turnover that comes with a coaching change. Coaches and analysts would leave, players would feel lost, and recruiting would take a downturn. It was a daunting task, but DeBoer was determined to make the transition as smooth as possible. And he had some help from the old staff, who stayed on to ease the transition for his first year.
One of those staff members was Carrigan Johnson, a key recruiter for Alabama under Saban. Johnson had been with the program for years and was instrumental in bringing in top talent year after year. His departure was a blow to the program, but it was a decision he made with a heavy heart.
Johnson had developed a close relationship with Saban over the years and had immense respect for the coach. He had learned so much from him and had been a part of some incredible moments at Alabama. But when Saban announced his retirement, Johnson knew it was time for him to move on as well.
It was a tough decision for Johnson, but he knew that DeBoer needed to build his own team and establish his own culture at Alabama. He didn’t want to be a hindrance to that process and felt it was best for him to step aside and let DeBoer bring in his own staff.
But Johnson’s departure was not just a loss for Alabama, it was also a gain for another program. He was highly sought after by other schools and eventually landed a job at a top program in the SEC. It was a testament to his skills as a recruiter and his reputation in the college football world.
While Johnson’s departure was a blow to Alabama, it was also a sign of the program’s success. Under Saban’s leadership, the Crimson Tide had become a destination for top coaches and players. And even with his retirement, the legacy he had built would continue to attract top talent.
As for DeBoer, he was faced with the challenge of filling Johnson’s shoes and maintaining the high level of recruiting that Alabama was known for. But he was up for the challenge and wasted no time in bringing in his own staff and hitting the recruiting trail.
DeBoer’s first year at Alabama was a success, with the team finishing with a strong record and securing a top recruiting class. While Johnson’s absence was felt, the program had moved on and continued to thrive under DeBoer’s leadership.
Looking back, Johnson’s departure was a bittersweet moment for Alabama. It was a reminder of the end of an era, but also a sign of the program’s strength and resilience. And as DeBoer continues to build on Saban’s legacy, it is clear that Alabama football will remain a powerhouse in the years to come.
In the end, Johnson’s decision to leave Alabama was a difficult one, but it was also a necessary one. He will always be remembered as a key member of Saban’s staff and a crucial part of the program’s success. And while he may no longer be a part of the Crimson Tide, his impact will be felt for years to come.
