Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama is 2-1. The Crimson Tides started the season in the worst possible way, losing to an unranked Florida State side 17-31. This piled further pressure on DeBoer, especially because Alabama had never lost a single game against an unranked team under Nick Saban. Although the Crimson Tides bounced back with back-to-back victories against Monroe (73-0) and Wisconsin (38-14), the pressure on DeBoer remains high. The rumors are gaining traction that a loss to Georgia will seal DeBoer’s fate.

On the latest edition of 3 Man Front on Jox 94.5, the panel discussed a fan’s text, “So, Monday’s show will be either Alabama’s run to the national championship or raising $70 million.” This is a reference to Maurice Clarett’s tweet saying that Alabama’s administration and boosters might be willing to absorb DeBoer’s staggering  $70 million buyout if the right coach is available, mentioning Jon Gruden.

To which Conrad Van Order said, “We might be doing a telethon on Monday.” He would be fascinated if Alabama’s administration asked the fans to “call in and donate it to the GoFundMe account” for the buyout. He referenced how Florida fans got super fed up with Billy Napier and started a GoFundMe account to raise funds for Napier’s buyout last year. He asked, What if the administration says to do the same just to see how the fanbase would react to that. He said, “It’ll never happen, but it would be a fascinating experiment.”

History, though, is in favor of Alabama. The Crimson Tide has a solid 44-26-4 lead over the Dawgs, and they can extend their win streak to three straight games with a win in Athens on Saturday. This is also the first time that these two teams will be facing off for three consecutive seasons since they used to play each other annually between 1944 to 1965. Alabama, under the Nick Saban era, holds a record of 6-1 since his former assistant, Kirby Smart, took over Georgia. With this being said, Kalen DeBoer is given a career ultimatum if he fails to protect Nick Saban’s legacy.

DeBoer earns $10 million annually and is ranked among some of the highest-paid college football coaches. He also owes yearly incentives. Alabama has already spent $12 million to cover the buyout he owed for Washington to join Tuscaloosa. So, yes, it will be expensive to pull the plug on DeBoer, but if the results do not pick up, Alabama will not be left with any other choice. 

Is Kalen DeBoer the Overrated Coach in CFB?

Later on the same show, Pat Smith asked the other members of the panel, ‘Who is the most overrated coach in college football,’ currently not including Bill Belichick and Deion Sanders. To which Van Order said, “Kalen DeBoer… right now”, which surprised all the other. Molly Robinson said, “I was kind of thinking Brian Kelly,” and Landrum Roberts said, “I’ll still say it’s James Franklin.” They then asked to prove them wrong on Saturday.

DeBoer’s record since he took over Alabama is 11-5 overall. Last year, they finished 17th, which was not the outcome the fans expected. Since no one is bailing for DeBoer, only a dominating, statement-making season could ease the pressure.

Will the game against Georgia be an answer to the critics? Last year, DeBoer’s side managed to beat Georgia by 41-34 as a first-time HC, but can he do it again? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.