The college football landscape is buzzing, and in the midst of it all stands Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of Alabama, who has found himself under the magnifying glass after a rocky start to his tenure. Coming into the 2024 season, there were high expectations for DeBoer, especially stepping into the shoes of the legendary Nick Saban. It’s a monumental task, none more evident than in DeBoer’s first campaign, which concluded with a 9-4 record and a disappointing loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
As the season progressed, it became painfully clear that Alabama’s hopes for a College Football Playoff berth slipped away due to a late-season stunner against Oklahoma, which proved to be a decisive factor in their playoff contention. Instead of addressing those crucial slip-ups, DeBoer opted to shift the conversation to the strength of his team’s schedule, prompting backlash from fans and critics alike.
During a recent press conference about the future of the College Football Playoff, DeBoer made remarks that ruffled feathers, particularly with one comment regarding Alabama’s schedule: “You wonder what would have happened if other people would have played our schedule.” This line didn’t land well with the college football faithful, who are less interested in explanations and more focused on results.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their frustration. One noted, “Keep in mind that Alabama lost to Vanderbilt (7-6) and OU (6-7). Idk maybe don’t lose to teams you should handle easily.” This highlights a sentiment many fans share—performance on the field trumps any discussion about the level of competition faced.
Another fan weighed in on the strength of the argument: “Schedule talk is legitimately the worst part of college football talking points. Win your games and none of it matters.” Many feel that when the stakes are high, excuses are unwelcome—especially from a program like Alabama, which has been known for its dominance.
It’s clear that DeBoer’s criticism of the schedule has ignited a firestorm, with one fan pointing out, “He’s right. Not just anyone can get blown out by a .500 team.” The frustration is palpable, with sentiments reflecting a desire for accountability.
The challenge doesn’t ease up for DeBoer as he looks toward the 2025 season. The upcoming schedule features formidable opponents like Georgia, LSU, Missouri, Tennessee, and South Carolina. If DeBoer struggles to navigate this slate of games, it may prompt questions about his fit in the SEC.
For Alabama fans, the message is clear: it’s time to focus on winning the games at hand rather than seeking refuge in discussions about the competition. DeBoer’s ability to rally his team and meet those challenges head-on will define his tenure moving forward.
