Karen DeBoer is in his first offseason as head coach at the SEC's University of Alabama, and there are some big adjustments to be made, including putting together a new staff, recruiting players across the South and enduring the sweltering heat of Alabama's brutal summers.

But the media obligations of the leaders of SEC programs can be a real headache for those new to the field.

The SEC Spring Meetings in Destin serve as an appetizer to SEC Media Days, held each July, but this year will be held in Dallas.

When asked about the challenges of replacing Nick Saban, DeBoer gave a thought-provoking answer.

Karen DeBoer reflected on how he approached the challenge of succeeding Nick Saban as Alabama football's head coach at the SEC spring meetings on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/VdCytFeh7K

— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) May 28, 2024

“When I think about what this program has accomplished, not just over the last 17 years, but over the decades, I'm excited to be here,” DeBoer said.

“And then you just keep building on it. I think there's always areas and ways that you can build on the existing foundation in your own way. It's great to embrace everything Coach Saban has done for this program and celebrate what he's accomplished.”

DeBoer also acknowledged that the fact that Saban recruited nearly the entire current roster was also a factor in the transition.

“We have a lot of guys on our roster that were obviously scouted to play at Alabama, but they were scouted to play for Coach Saban, so I totally understand that and I want to make sure that connection is always there and that they have access to the coach that scouted them originally,” he said.

“I also want Coach Saban to know that the door is open to this program. When I refer to this as 'our program,' when I say 'our' I mean everyone who has been involved with this program over the years, and that of course includes Coach Saban.”