As Jalen Milroe prepares for the next chapter of his football career, he took a moment at the Senior Bowl to reflect on his time at Alabama and the bond he built with the Crimson Tide coaching staff. Speaking candidly, Milroe pulled back the curtain on the relationships that shaped him, offering insight into how his connection with Nick Saban and the Alabama staff helped him develop both as a player and a leader.
A Journey of Growth and Trust
Milroe’s time at Alabama was filled with ups and downs, but one thing remained constant—his respect and appreciation for the coaching staff. He arrived in Tuscaloosa as a talented but raw dual-threat quarterback and had to work his way up the depth chart. Throughout that journey, he formed deep relationships with Saban and the offensive coaches, who guided him through challenges and helped refine his skills.
Speaking at the Senior Bowl, Milroe acknowledged how much the Alabama staff believed in him, even when he faced criticism and doubt.
“Coach Saban and the staff always pushed me to be my best,” Milroe said. “They challenged me every single day, and that’s why I am the player I am today. They didn’t just coach me, they invested in me.”
Navigating Change and Finding Support
One of the biggest tests of Milroe’s Alabama career came when Nick Saban retired, and the program transitioned to Kalen DeBoer as the new head coach. While Milroe ultimately opted to enter the NFL Draft, he remained grateful for the support he received from the Alabama staff during uncertain times.
“When you play at Alabama, you’re held to the highest standard, and the coaching staff makes sure you’re prepared for that,” he said. “Even with changes, the relationships I built with the coaches gave me confidence to keep pushing forward.”
Milroe also credited his quarterbacks coach and offensive staff for helping him develop into a more complete player. While he was known for his explosive running ability, the coaching staff emphasized improving his decision-making, pocket presence, and leadership.
“They helped me understand the game on a different level,” Milroe said. “It wasn’t just about making plays; it was about knowing why we were running certain schemes, reading defenses, and trusting my teammates.”
A Lasting Legacy
As Milroe prepares for the NFL Draft, he carries with him the lessons he learned from his time at Alabama. He spoke about how the coaching staff not only shaped his football career but also helped him grow as a leader and person.
“The relationships I had with the coaches go beyond football,” Milroe reflected. “They cared about me as a person. That’s what made my time at Alabama so special.”
While his time in Tuscaloosa has come to an end, the bonds he formed with the coaching staff will remain. Milroe leaves Alabama with gratitude, knowing that the lessons he learned and the support he received have prepared him for whatever comes next.