Kalen DeBoer took on a challenging role in 2024 when he was hired as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, replacing the legendary Nick Saban. Saban, widely considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, led Alabama from 2007 to 2023, securing six national championships with the team, along with another during his tenure at LSU. DeBoer’s debut season, however, did not meet expectations. The Crimson Tide finished with a 9-4 record, marking their worst performance since Saban’s first season in 2007.
During an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum was asked whether DeBoer’s job could be in jeopardy if Alabama lost its season opener against the Florida State Seminoles. Finebaum responded with an emphatic “yes,” indicating that the pressure on DeBoer is already significant.
Florida State is also coming off a rough season. After entering the year ranked No. 10 nationally, the Seminoles struggled to a disappointing 2-10 finish. With both teams looking for a fresh start, their matchup on August 30 will be crucial in setting the tone for the 2025 season.
Finebaum’s stance reflects the growing frustration among Alabama fans. Many have voiced concerns about the program’s trajectory, and there is a sense of impatience regarding DeBoer’s leadership. If Alabama does not show improvement in 2025 or starts the season poorly, Finebaum believes DeBoer could be fired by the end of the year.
As Alabama prepares for its highly anticipated opener, all eyes will be on DeBoer to see if he can steer the program back to championship contention. The upcoming season will be a critical test of his ability to meet the sky-high expectations that come with leading one of college football’s most storied programs.
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