As the first round of the College Football Playoffs begins, many are wondering what might happen to Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide has been struggling against Oklahoma, with its offense unable to get going, both in the running game and the passing game. This has fans thinking that DeBoer might get fired if Alabama gets eliminated.
In case DeBoer gets fired, who should they hire? As usual, firing a coach creates a massive hole for a team, one that is not easy to fill. Sure, Alabama has the resources to find a new coach and even lure out another team’s head coach, but the question is, who will it be?
Top 5 Coaching Candidates If Kalen DeBoer Gets Fired
Brian Kelly
After getting fired from LSU, Brian Kelly has not yet found a new employer. He is one of the biggest coaching free agents right now. He won a settlement issue with his former school, but is still trying to find a new job after a disappointing season with the Tigers. He is actually a proven coach, leading Notre Dame and LSU to CFP appearances, but has yet to win it all.
Hugh Freeze
Another coach is still looking for a job, though Freeze has plenty of baggage that comes with him. He was fired from Auburn after a disastrous season, but like Kelly, he is also a proven head coach who might be able to turn things around given the right program. Alabama will have to be aware of his baggage if they take him as their new coach.
Sam Pittman
Arkansas struggled this year, and that was the reason why Sam Pittman was unable to hold onto his job for long. Like the other two, he has also not yet been able to find a job after getting fired, and he has a lot of experience as a coach. He is a more defensive-minded coach, so things might change if Alabama picks him up.
Jerry Mack
Mack led the Kennesaw State Owls to the Conference USA title this year and has greatly improved the program since he arrived in 2024. If Alabama wants to turn things around, Mack could be the answer, as he has shown what he could do with his team. He used to coach running backs in the NFL, and he certainly loves playing the rushing game, which suits Alabama well.
Lance Taylor
Taylor led the Broncos not just to a conference title with the MAC, but also a win over Jerry Mack and the Owls at the Myrtle Beach Bowl. He is another coach from a smaller conference who might be able to change some things over at Bama; he could improve how things are done over at Tuscaloosa.
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