By Loveth 
In a recent chat with ESPN’s Chris Low, Lawson said last season was tough for DeBoer. After all, replacing a legend like Nick Saban and dealing with the chaos of the transfer portal wasn’t exactly a smooth entry.
“Coach DeBoer had his battles,” Lawson said. “It was hard to get everything how he wanted it.”
But heading into year two, Lawson sees a whole new vibe. DeBoer may still be chill and player-driven, but there’s no doubt he’s running the show now.
“He’s not trying to be the bad cop or anything,” Lawson added. “But now, you can tell—his fingerprints are on everything. And he’s made it clear: you better be locked in.”
Last year’s 9-4 finish didn’t sit right with anyone in Tuscaloosa. Lawson said DeBoer didn’t make excuses—he owned it all.
“That’s not Alabama’s standard, and he knows it,” Lawson said. “But the way he handled it—taking all the blame, never pointing fingers—it earned our respect. Everyone’s bought in now. We’re united.”