There’s a lot of pressure on the Alabama Crimson Tide for the next season. The Nick Saban era, from 2007 to 2023, was very successful for the program. However, when Kalen DeBoer took over, their season was disappointing, finishing with a 9-4 record.
Last year, they failed to win 10 games for the first time since 2007, which pretty much describes the kind of pressure DeBoer is under. Paul Finebaum, during an appearance on “Get Up” podcast, gave the Bama coach a reality check.
“I’ve never spent a winter in Siberia, but that’s what it will be like for Caitlin DeBoer,” Finebaum said. “I think he will survive unless it is a disastrous miss as he comes closer, Greg, burn the athletic director there very influential is behind him.” (5:25)
Finebaum said that DeBoer was expected to do big things for the program, but in the short tenure he has had so far, it’s been a dud.
“I think next year will be just a pressure cooker of epic proportions, but I don’t think this is even a debate I think Alabama’s already in the playoffs from where I sit.”
Finebaum isn’t alone in believing that DeBoer and his team can turn things around this time. Their roster is considered to be one of the strongest; they have the right balance, and more importantly, they’re the underdogs because of a disappointing run.
So, as much pressure as there is on DeBoer, it wouldn’t be surprising if they make a big splash this season. The Crimson Tide has a lot on the line, and several analysts are putting them very high up on their rankings.
Joel Klatt ranked Alabama in his top 10 teams for the season
Joel Klatt has put the Crimson Tide at the ninth position in his preseason top 25 list. He praised Kalen DeBoer’s resume, which shows that he has the winning mentality, and claimed that this time he will do it with the Crimson Tide.
“I’m going to go with Alabama, partly because they have to,” Klatt said. “They have to bounce back. Year two for Kalen DeBoer. Bama failed last year to win 10 games for the first time since 2007. So, DeBoer’s got his work cut out for him.” (35:24)
Before joining the Crimson Tide, DeBoer was with the Huskies. He took the Huskies to the playoffs and played for the national championship. So, it won’t be uncharted territory for him. The fact that he has his offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, back in action is going to give Alabama a much-needed boost.
“DeBoer is an outstanding coach. He has won everywhere that he has been. He also has won everywhere that he’s been,” Klatt said. “In large part due to the fact that his offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, has been with him. He was not there last year, but he’s coming back and they will be joined again.”
Klatt believes that their eight-year-long partnership is going to make a real impact on the team. Ty Simpson, who is believed to be their quarterback, will benefit from that combo, and together they’ll put Alabama on the map.
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