We went from a houndstooth hat to a black hoodie.

From the stoic glare of Bear Bryant to the calm confidence of Kalen DeBoer.

Different eras.

Different styles.

Same standard.

Alabama football has never been just about the scoreboard. It’s about identity. It's about a tradition passed down through generations, shaped by coaches who understood that football in Tuscaloosa isn’t just a sport. It’s a way of life. 

When Bear Bryant arrived at Alabama in 1958, he didn’t just build a program. No. He built the program. His toughness became the heartbeat of the Crimson Tide.

He expected discipline, demanded excellence, and established a mindset that would echo long after his final game.

The houndstooth hat became a symbol. Not just of fashion, but of dominance, grit, and pride.

Under Bryant, the Tide learned what it meant to play for something bigger than themselves.

Fast forward to today, and that same spirit lives on, it's just dressed a little differently.

Kalen DeBoer might wear a black hoodie instead of a houndstooth hat, but the standard he upholds is the same one that Bryant started more than sixty years ago.

DeBoer’s version of Alabama is fast, modern, and offensive-minded, but it’s grounded in the same core belief: winning is earned through preparation, teamwork, and respect for the process.

And through it all, the Tide’s traditions have held strong.

When “Dixieland Delight” blares through Bryant–Denny Stadium, more than 100,000 voices rise together. Students, alumni, families, all united in one moment that feels bigger than football.

It’s loud.

It’s chaotic.

And it’s pure Alabama.

It’s a reminder that this program doesn’t just build players; it builds a community.

Then there’s the Third Saturday in October.

Alabama vs. Tennessee.

A rivalry fueled by history and emotion.

And when the Tide beats the Vols, those victory cigars come out. It’s one of college football’s most unique traditions, a smoky celebration of pride that bridges generations of fans and players alike.

That’s the beauty of Alabama football: no matter how much changes, the backbone stays the same.

New coach, same pride.

New playbook, same expectation.

New look, same legacy.

Bear Bryant gave Alabama its backbone.

Nick Saban turned that foundation into a modern dynasty.

And now, Kalen DeBoer is writing the next chapter. One that honors the past while embracing the future. His calm demeanor and innovative offense may look different from Bryant’s old-school toughness, and Nick Saban's passionate sideline antics, but the heart behind it all hasn’t changed.

Because in Tuscaloosa, tradition isn’t stuck in time, it evolves.

And whether it’s a houndstooth hat or a black hoodie, the message stays the same: The standard is still the standard.

Because in Tuscaloosa, the names may change, but the mission never does.

The standard lives on, the pride remains, and the Tide keeps rolling....just like it always has.