Replacing a coaching icon is never easy, and Kalen DeBoer stepped into one of the most daunting roles in college football when he succeeded Nick Saban as Alabama’s head coach last season.
Following Saban’s legendary run – including six national championships in Tuscaloosa – DeBoer’s debut season fell well short of expectations.
After finishing with a 9-4 record, Alabama suffered its worst season since Saban’s first year in 2007, and now pressure is mounting for DeBoer to prove himself in Year 2.
According to ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, the scrutiny will start immediately when Alabama opens its 2025 season against Florida State on Aug. 30.
Finebaum was asked on his show if DeBoer could be on the hot seat if the Tide lose their season opener to the Seminoles.
Needless to say, Paul didn’t hesitate for one single millisecond. “The answer to that is a most emphatic, yes!” he said.
Finebaum’s assessment reflects a growing impatience among Alabama fans, many of whom have been vocal about their frustration with the program’s downward trend since Saban’s departure.
The Seminoles, like Alabama, are coming off a disappointing season of their own. (Much worse in fact.)
Florida State entered 2024 as a top-10 team, only to collapse to a 2-10 record – a stunning fall from expectations.
Both programs are eager to start 2025 with a statement victory, making the Aug. 30 matchup a high-stakes showdown.
Finebaum has repeatedly warned that DeBoer is in a precarious situation, especially if Alabama stumbles early.
While DeBoer is certainly a great coach, we all know the expectations that come with being the head coach at Alabama.
It’s a no-nonsense, championship-or-bust standard – and anything less could lead to swift consequences.
With the season-opener looming, all eyes will be on DeBoer and the Crimson Tide to see if they can prove their doubters wrong – or if Alabama fans’ impatience will only grow louder.
What are your thoughts on Finebaum’s comments? … Do you think DeBoer will be in major trouble if Alabama loses to Florida State???
