How Alabama football, Kalen DeBoer plan to replace Jalen Milroe, the runner, in 2025

As the 2025 college football season approaches, Alabama football is facing one of the most significant challenges of its modern era: replacing the dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Jalen Milroe. Known for his explosive ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, Milroe has been a key figure in Alabama’s offensive scheme. However, with the new season on the horizon, the Crimson Tide finds itself in a position where they must adapt and find a way to replace Milroe’s unique skill set—especially his ability to make game-changing plays as a runner.

This challenge is not an isolated one. Alabama’s head coach, Nick Saban, has a history of molding quarterbacks into effective leaders who run his system efficiently, but replacing a player like Milroe—who has the speed, agility, and field awareness to make defenses struggle—is no small task. To do this, Saban has turned to Kalen DeBoer, the new offensive coordinator, known for his innovative offensive strategies and his ability to develop versatile quarterbacks. With DeBoer’s help, Alabama aims to maintain its offensive potency while replacing Milroe’s unique talents.

This article will explore how Alabama, under the direction of DeBoer, plans to navigate the transition in 2025 and continue to thrive as an elite program, despite losing one of its most important offensive weapons.

Jalen Milroe’s Impact on Alabama Football

Before we dive into how Alabama plans to replace Milroe, it’s crucial to understand the magnitude of his impact on the team. Milroe is a unique quarterback who blended the passing precision of a pocket passer with the athleticism of a dual-threat runner. His ability to extend plays with his legs, evade tacklers, and break off long runs made him one of the most dynamic players in the SEC. As a runner, Milroe accumulated impressive rushing yards and touchdowns, forcing defenses to game-plan for him as both a quarterback and a running back.

Milroe’s dual-threat abilities were especially valuable to Alabama’s offensive system, which has traditionally relied on a powerful running game and a strong defense. Milroe added a new layer to the offense, giving opposing teams headaches with his ability to keep plays alive and make explosive runs when the pocket collapsed. His mobility allowed Alabama’s offense to move the ball down the field in creative ways, whether it was on read-option plays, bootlegs, or designed quarterback runs.

His decision-making and vision as a runner allowed him to pick up crucial first downs, extend drives, and provide the offense with an unpredictable element. In short, Milroe’s legs were just as dangerous as his arm, making him a true dual-threat quarterback. Replacing that type of playmaking ability is a monumental task for any coaching staff.

Kalen DeBoer’s Role in the Transition

Kalen DeBoer enters the scene as the offensive coordinator tasked with guiding Alabama through this transition. DeBoer, who has an extensive coaching background, most recently as the offensive coordinator at Washington, has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks and creating high-powered offenses. His philosophy leans on versatility, balance, and leveraging the strengths of his players—skills that will be crucial in replacing Milroe.

DeBoer has experience working with dual-threat quarterbacks, notably during his time as head coach at Fresno State and his offensive work at Washington. His ability to develop a quarterback’s mobility in the pocket while also emphasizing the passing game will be essential in maintaining Alabama’s offensive efficiency. DeBoer has been known for his quick-strike, up-tempo offenses, and he’ll look to implement many of those strategies in Tuscaloosa.

However, even though DeBoer’s system has been highly effective, it will be a challenge to replace a talent like Milroe. To do so, DeBoer will need to make adjustments to the playbook, incorporate new schemes, and ensure that Alabama’s next quarterback is capable of producing in the same high-pressure SEC environment. DeBoer’s knowledge of the quarterback position and his ability to adapt to different player skill sets will be key in ensuring a smooth transition.

Replacing Milroe’s Running Ability: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Milroe’s ability to scramble and create plays with his legs was arguably one of the most dangerous aspects of his game. Replacing that type of production requires a combination of strategic adjustments and player development. DeBoer and Saban will likely take a multi-pronged approach to fill the void left by Milroe’s running ability. Here are some strategies that could be employed:

1. Emphasizing Quarterback Mobility

While Alabama’s next starting quarterback may not be as physically gifted as Milroe, DeBoer will likely look for a signal-caller who can replicate some of Milroe’s success as a runner. This doesn’t necessarily mean finding a player who is as fast or as explosive but rather one who can utilize mobility to extend plays and pick up crucial yardage when necessary.

A key component of DeBoer’s offensive philosophy is his use of a quarterback’s mobility within the context of his offense. Whether through designed runs, read options, or RPO (run-pass option) plays, DeBoer will make sure the next Alabama quarterback has the ability to keep defenses honest with his legs. This is critical, as it adds another layer of unpredictability to the offense and can help neutralize opposing defenses that focus solely on stopping Alabama’s running back corps.

In the search for Milroe’s replacement, Alabama’s coaching staff will likely evaluate players who have a natural feel for running the football from the quarterback position. The ability to read defenses and decide when to tuck the ball and run will be just as crucial as the ability to throw the ball with accuracy.

2. Developing a Stable of Running Backs

One of the strategies Alabama could lean on is a more traditional running game, supported by a stable of elite running backs. In this case, the new quarterback would rely more on handing the ball off to running backs rather than using his own legs to carry the ball. With Alabama’s recruiting pipeline consistently churning out top-tier running backs, the Crimson Tide will have a wealth of talent in the backfield to ease the pressure on the quarterback.

Players like Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and Justice Haynes are all capable of carrying the load as workhorse backs. By leaning more heavily on the running game, Alabama can minimize the need for their quarterback to be a primary ball carrier. Instead, the focus can shift to developing the quarterback’s passing game, allowing the offense to remain balanced and dynamic. A strong running back corps will also help alleviate some of the pressure on the offensive line, allowing for a more efficient and controlled attack.

3. Leveraging the RPO Game

DeBoer has worked extensively with RPO (run-pass option) systems, which allow quarterbacks to make quick decisions based on the defensive alignment. The RPO system has been a staple of modern college football offenses, and it’s one that DeBoer has used to great success. In this system, the quarterback reads the defense and decides in real-time whether to hand the ball off to the running back, keep it himself, or throw a quick pass.

For Alabama, the RPO system could be a perfect fit to replace some of the running production that Milroe brought to the table. By incorporating more RPO elements into the offense, DeBoer can create a more unpredictable attack that forces the defense to account for both the quarterback’s arm and his legs—even if the next quarterback isn’t a natural runner like Milroe. This would allow Alabama to retain some of the dynamic qualities that Milroe brought to the position without necessarily relying on one player to do it all.

4. Quarterback Development and Player Competition

The other critical aspect of Alabama’s plan for replacing Milroe will be quarterback development and competition. Milroe’s departure will open the door for Alabama’s next generation of quarterbacks to step up. Whether it’s Ty Simpson, a highly-touted recruit who has shown promise in limited action, or another player vying for the starting role, there will be a healthy competition to claim the position.

DeBoer’s expertise in developing quarterbacks will be invaluable here. His ability to mold a player into a more complete quarterback—capable of reading defenses, executing the game plan, and making plays with both his arm and legs—will be essential. For Alabama, the goal is to find a quarterback who not only fits DeBoer’s system but also has the mental and physical tools to thrive under pressure in the SEC.

5. Improving the Passing Game

Another way DeBoer can compensate for the loss of Milroe’s running ability is by emphasizing a stronger passing game. Milroe’s dual-threat capability meant that he didn’t always need to rely on his passing game, but the new quarterback will likely be asked to throw the ball more consistently.

By focusing on developing the passing game—particularly with an emphasis on short and intermediate routes—DeBoer can make sure that the quarterback is not solely dependent on running the ball. Wide receivers like Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond are capable of stretching the field, and their speed and agility will provide valuable targets for the new quarterback.

 Navigating the Transition

Replacing Jalen Milroe’s dual-threat ability is undoubtedly one of the most difficult tasks for Alabama football in recent years. However, with Kalen DeBoer’s experience and innovative offensive mindset, the Crimson Tide have the tools to navigate this transition successfully. By focusing on quarterback mobility, leveraging a talented running back stable, and improving the passing game, Alabama can remain a force in the SEC and continue to compete for national championships.

The key will be finding the right balance between maintaining the offensive explosiveness that Milroe brought to the table while

developing a more traditional offensive identity. DeBoer’s ability to adapt to his personnel, combined with Alabama’s elite talent pool, will give the program a strong chance to remain at the top of college football in 2025 and beyond. The next chapter of Alabama football may look different, but it’s one that has the potential to be just as successful.