If ever we needed an official sign of a new era in Tuscaloosa, Karen DeBoer, who took to the podium as Alabama's head coach after the first spring practice, might be it.

DeBoer talked about a number of topics, including what it's like to practice, communicating with the new helmet, Jalen Milroe and the quarterback room.

And while there wasn't much to be gained from the 15-minute press, the fact that we've finally arrived at spring football with a new face for the program is noteworthy in and of itself.

“Full of energy, full of excitement” – Karen DeBoer during her first spring practice as head coach at Alabama. pic.twitter.com/2WGddQGs4w

— Next Round (@NextRoundLive) March 5, 2024

“Hey, all of a sudden we're done with our first practice,” DeBoer said. “It was a great day, the first practice is always like that. Full of energy. Full of excitement. This came quickly and practice went fast.

“I was proud of our staff and players for really understanding what we were trying to accomplish today, which includes not only concepts and execution of the field with plays, but also transitions. It’s a new thing…I thought it came together in a really great way.

“We want to create what we call championship habits, and I think they did a really great job of that today.”

DeBoer also addressed the quarterback situation, but essentially said Milroe represented the first team while there was competition.

“You want competition, right? So there's always going to be competition,” DeBoer said. “Someone had to take the first rep today and Jalen took it. He's putting everything into it.”

Michael Brauner is a senior sports analyst and contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP