Alabama Football’s Kalen DeBoer Gets Bad News on…read more
Kalen DeBoer’s tenure as Alabama’s head coach is off to a rocky start, and rumors surrounding his job security aren’t helping matters. Following a disappointing 9-4 record in his debut season, the Crimson Tide narrowly missed the College Football Playoff (CFP) and ended the year with a loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. DeBoer now faces the dual challenge of stabilizing the program and addressing skepticism about his long-term future in Tuscaloosa.
DeBoer was hired after leading Washington to the national title game, marking a break from Alabama’s long-standing ties to Nick Saban’s coaching tree. However, his first season highlighted concerns about his ability to adapt to the SEC and maintain the program’s historic dominance. Alabama’s inconsistency on the field, coupled with a lackluster finish, has fueled speculation about whether DeBoer is the right fit for the role.
On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg listed DeBoer among the college coaches potentially on the hot seat heading into the 2025 season. While acknowledging DeBoer’s impressive résumé, Rittenberg noted the pressure to meet Alabama’s lofty expectations, stating, “It seemed like a good move to hire DeBoer after his success at Washington, but fears about his fit in the SEC are being realized. Missing the CFP and losing to an undermanned Michigan team only increased the scrutiny.”
The uncertainty surrounding DeBoer complicates his efforts on the recruiting trail. Alabama has seen significant roster turnover, with 31 players entering the transfer portal and 14 incoming transfers, according to On3 Sports. Recruiting top talent becomes even more challenging when questions linger about whether the current coach will remain in place for the long term.
Despite the rumors, DeBoer has the support of Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne, giving him some stability as he approaches his second season. Winning games and showing progress will be critical for silencing doubts and re-establishing confidence in the program.
For now, DeBoer’s priority is rebuilding Alabama into a CFP contender while navigating a highly competitive SEC landscape. With a strong performance in 2025, he has the opportunity to prove himself as a worthy successor to Nick Saban and ensure his tenure in Tuscaloosa isn’t cut short.
