Kalen DeBoer is feeling the heat in Tuscaloosa, and it’s not just the Alabama sun. Following a disappointing first season as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum has raised concerns about DeBoer’s future. He believes that the pressure is mounting on the former Washington Huskies head coach, who took over the reins from the legendary Nick Saban before the 2024 season.
Alabama’s Struggles in 2024
The Crimson Tide finished the 2024 season with a 9-4 record, which included a disappointing loss in the ReliaQuest Bowl against an unranked Michigan team. This defeat was particularly painful, as Alabama was shut out of the College Football Playoff, finishing just one spot below SMU in the final CFP poll. The expectations were sky-high, with fans and analysts alike believing that anything short of a playoff appearance would be unacceptable.
Finebaum expressed his thoughts on the situation during an appearance on the “Matt Barrie Show.” He stated, “I believe very firmly Kalen DeBoer is on a scorching hot seat. Now, you can say, ‘What does that mean?’ I’ll tell you what I think it means. It means he is under a microscope. It was playoff or bust this year, and he went bust.” This sentiment resonates with many fans who had hoped for a much stronger showing.
Offensive Woes and Defensive Adjustments
The offensive struggles were a significant part of Alabama’s downfall this season. Despite having talented players like quarterback Jalen Milroe and wide receiver Ryan Williams, the Tide’s offense faltered at crucial moments. In a late November game against Oklahoma, Alabama managed only three points, losing 24-3. This kind of performance left fans frustrated and questioning the team’s direction.
The ReliaQuest Bowl showcased even more issues for DeBoer and his squad. Facing a Michigan team that was missing its top three defensive players, Alabama’s offense was manhandled. Milroe completed just 50% of his passes for 192 yards and committed three turnovers. The inability to capitalize on a weakened opponent raised alarms about the team’s preparedness and execution.
As the 2025 season approaches, the pressure on DeBoer intensifies. There is little room for error, especially if the offense doesn’t click right from the start. To address the defensive shortcomings, DeBoer has already begun making changes to his coaching staff, signaling a commitment to improvement.
The SEC’s Underwhelming Performance
The challenges faced by Alabama are reflective of a broader trend within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Despite having Texas reach the CFP Semifinals, the overall performance of the conference in 2024 has been lackluster. Traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina all fell short in their bowl games, leading to questions about the SEC’s dominance in college football.
Finebaum noted, “I think if you look at the SEC objectively, there isn’t that standalone, perfect team. There are a lot of good teams. But those good teams have had clunker days.” This realization could signal a shift in the landscape of college football, as other conferences begin to catch up.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for DeBoer and Alabama?
As the 2025 season looms on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher for Kalen DeBoer. The upcoming year will be crucial in determining whether he can turn things around for the Crimson Tide. With the pressure mounting, fans are eager to see if DeBoer can lead Alabama back to its former glory or if he will become another footnote in the storied history of the program.
The voices of dissent regarding Alabama’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff have quieted as the bowl season progressed. However, the lingering question remains: was this just a down year for the SEC, or is there a more significant power shift occurring in college football? As teams prepare for the next season, all eyes will be on Alabama and DeBoer to see if they can reclaim their place among the elite.
In the world of college football, the narrative is always evolving. The coming months will be pivotal, and the excitement surrounding the 2025 season is palpable. Will Kalen DeBoer rise to the occasion, or will the Crimson Tide continue to struggle? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the passion for college football is as fierce as ever.
