Is Kalen DeBoer’s first year in Alabama a failure or success? Not any coach can lead a CFB powerhouse like Alabama who faced 2024 without their legendary HC Nick Saban. But Kalen DeBoer seemed like the perfect fit. Going 9-3 in the regular season isn’t terrible but “the standard is Alabama.” The expectations are always high even for a first-year coach and DeBoer could’ve done better. 

Paul Finebaum isn’t one to think twice before voicing his crude opinions. In his appearance in a new YouTube episode on ESPN College Football with Matt Barrie on January 4, he had quite an earful for Kalen DeBoer. Taking a shot at the first-year Alabama HC, he said, “The thing that bugs people about DeBoer is it’s just his attitude. I mean, he talks like a high school coach at a private academy. He doesn’t resonate with the Alabama folks… they’re hardcore and they know football and they’re used to great football. They’ve had the two greatest football coaches in history on that campus.”

Matt Barrie also added his bit to the discussion saying, “I just think it’s unfathomable to think we expanded the playoff by eight teams and Alabama wasn’t one of them.” The SEC giant has the most national titles, CFP appearances, SEC championships, and bowl appearances. But this season has been a wild ride for the Crimson Tide who were not able to secure a playoff seed despite the 12-team format. 

Jalen Milroe and co won most of the games they’re expected to win. But it was the Vanderbilt loss that left a permanent stain on DeBoer’s debut year in Tuscaloosa. Comparison had been inevitable right from when he replaced Nick Saban. But as Alabama fell out of the playoff picture with their three regular season losses, this comparison is becoming null. To add to the scar, the Crimson Tide’s final 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl pulled the last straw. So, what’s next for Kalen DeBoer? 

Kalen DeBoer falls short of Alabama standard 

A lot of expectations come with being Alabama’s HC and Kalen DeBoer knows that best. He was able to beat Kirby Smart and Georgia earlier in the season but the losses that followed completely covered up this victory. Under much pressure, he finished the season with a 9-4 record, three of those losses were upsets delivered by unranked opponents. 

After everything was done on the field, Kalen DeBoer said, “I want that guys that are going to be coming back to remember this feeling, remember some of the feelings throughout the year. We’ve got to keep building and continue to move forward.” NFL analyst David Pollack graded Kalen DeBoer with a C for his Year 1 performance in Tuscaloosa saying, “It wasn’t a complete failure but not the best there could be.” 

Paul Finebaum is more critical, though. He said on The Matt Barrie Show, “I can say very firmly that I believe Kalen DeBoer is on a scorching hot seat.” The loss has already begun. What do you think lies in store for Kalen DeBoer?