The Alabama Crimson Tide are one of college football’s most storied programs, with 30 conference titles and 15 national championships. This rich history creates immense pressure for any head coach who takes the reins. Kalen DeBoer faces that challenge even more intensely as the successor to the legendary Nick Saban, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the sport’s history. Saban led Alabama to six national championships between 2007 and 2023 before retiring after a 12-2 season that included an SEC championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. The Crimson Tide ultimately fell to Michigan in overtime, 27-20, with the Wolverines going on to win the national title.
DeBoer’s first season at Alabama did not meet expectations, as the team finished 9-4—their worst record since Saban’s inaugural season in 2007, when they went 7-6. On The Paul Finebaum Show, SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum expressed concerns about whether DeBoer is truly prepared for the pressures that come with leading such an elite program.
“DeBoer is an outstanding coach,” Finebaum said. “Now, my question that I throw up in the air, is he an outstanding coach at Alabama? That’s the one thing I worry about with DeBoer. Can he navigate all of the pitfalls that have gotten every Alabama coach in recent years except one?”
Finebaum’s concerns have historical merit. After Gene Stallings stepped down following the 1996 season, Alabama cycled through three head coaches before Saban arrived in 2007. During that turbulent stretch, the Tide had three 10-win seasons but also endured four seasons without a winning record. Saban restored Alabama’s dominance, never winning fewer than 10 games after his first year.
In contrast, DeBoer has already fallen short of that benchmark in his first season. Now, the challenge ahead is clear: either he returns Alabama to championship contention, or he risks succumbing to the immense pressure that comes with leading one of college football’s most prestigious programs.
