Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is already feeling the heat in Tuscaloosa after the Crimson Tide’s disappointing Week 1 loss to Florida State.
Following a 31–17 defeat in the season opener, DeBoer responded to concerns from Alabama boosters about the program’s direction during this week’s SEC teleconference.
On3 reported Wednesday that several boosters have begun to question whether DeBoer is the right man to lead the Tide in the post-Nick Saban era. The second-year Alabama coach attempted to calm the storm, stressing that he still believes in his team’s potential.
“I mean, my message is that… I think we’ve got a really good football team, I think we’ve got a good football team that can do some big things still this year,” DeBoer said. “We gotta prove it, we gotta go do it, and you know, to this point it’s been just me being able to focus on football and, you know, I appreciate that.”
The Crimson Tide struggled offensively in the loss, finishing with just 341 total yards and only 87 rushing yards in a surprising stat for a roster loaded with talent.
DeBoer arrived at Alabama after an impressive stint at Washington, where he went 25–3 in two seasons and led the Huskies to the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. He also went 12–6 at Fresno State, including a 9–3 record in his first full year.
But taking over for Nick Saban, who won six national titles in 17 years, comes with almost impossible expectations. DeBoer’s first season in Tuscaloosa ended at 9–4 overall and 5–3 in SEC play a record far below the program’s lofty standard.
With boosters already restless and expectations sky-high, DeBoer will need to turn things around quickly or risk a short stay in Tuscaloosa.
