Kalen DeBoer, who succeeded Nick Saban as Alabama’s head coach, is facing scrutiny after a 9-4 debut season in 2024, marking the Crimson Tide’s first sub-10-win season since 2007. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum commented that while DeBoer’s job isn’t immediately at risk, he enters the 2025 season on a “scorching hot seat,” emphasizing the heightened pressure to deliver improved results.
Alabama’s season began promisingly with a 4-0 start, including victories over Wisconsin and then-No. 2 Georgia. However, unexpected losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Oklahoma derailed their momentum, leading to a missed College Football Playoff berth. The season concluded with a 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, intensifying concerns among fans and analysts.
Adding to the challenges, quarterback Jalen Milroe has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving a significant vacancy at the position. This development underscores the critical nature of the upcoming season for DeBoer, as he must address key roster gaps and meet the program’s high expectations.
Historically, Alabama has afforded its head coaches time to establish their programs; only once in the past century has a coach’s tenure lasted two years or less. Nonetheless, the legacy of success under Saban casts a long shadow, and DeBoer will need to navigate these pressures adeptly to solidify his position in Tuscaloosa.
For a more in-depth analysis, you might find the following discussion insightful: