Kalen DeBoer just can’t seem to catch a break! One year ago, he entered the whirlwind of Alabama football characterized by a 17-year reign under Nick Saban. The expectations were always evident — maintain the dynasty or face being just another name unable to match the GOAT. He arrived in Tuscaloosa with a shining reputation following a perfect 12-0 season at Washington. However, if Bama supporters believed they were acquiring a miracle performer, the truth
The burden of expectations, the stress of succeeding a legend — it was a formula for failure. Now, following a 9-4 season marked by surprising lows, the question remains. Will Kalen DeBoer be successful in 2025?
For Jake Crain, the solution is already obvious. In a recent episode of Crain & Company on March 10, he candidly asserted that Kalen DeBoer is receiving too much money for his performance. Although the team is filled with skilled players, he thinks Alabama is headed for another frustrating season. “I value Alabama more than anyone else,” he stated, expressing his opinion on the previous season. “It’s not as if you got The Sisters of the Perpetual Poor as an inheritance.” You had Jalen Milroe, you had those components. You had Ryan Williams, and he ultimately stayed with you. I believe he did not reach his full potential. It’s a tough viewpoint, yet one based on the sentiments of numerous fans.
The burden of expectations, the stress of succeeding a legend — it was a formula for catastrophe. Following a 9-4 season marked by surprising downtimes, the question remains. Will Kalen DeBoer make it through 2025?
For Jake Crain, the solution is already evident. In a recent episode of Crain & Company on March 10, he candidly declared that Kalen DeBoer is overcompensated and not performing well. Even with a team full of skill, he thinks that Alabama is headed for another unsatisfactory season. “I view Alabama more favorably than anyone else,” he stated, also expressing his opinion on the previous season. “It’s not as if you were given The Sisters of the Perpetual Poor.” You possessed Jalen Milroe, you had these components. You have Ryan Williams, who ultimately chose to stay with you. I believe he didn’t reach his full potential. It’s a tough perspective, but one based on the sentiments of many supporters
Last season, the Crimson Tide reached a peak when they defeated Georgia and ascended to No. 1 in the weekly rankings. However, they fell apart in a humiliating manner. A 40-35 defeat at home against Vanderbilt? That type of defeat sent Bama fans into a frenzy. Defeating LSU provided them with optimism, yet once more, a crushing defeat to a .500 Oklahoma determined their outcome. No playoffs, no national title, merely an extended offseason filled with uncertainties.
Jake Crain didn’t merely halt in the past. He also created a potential forecast for Alabama in 2025. “I’m nearly forecasting this one.” “I believe he will keep underperforming,” he shot back. “Currently at $10.25 million, I believe he is already overcompensated even after just one year and considering what he will earn in the future at Alabama.” This isn’t the first occasion Jake Crain has displayed a negative attitude toward Kalen DeBoer. In January, he mentioned, “Kalen DeBoer is stepping into a system that is already established.” That there’s no chance you can operate it more effectively than it was operated. I believe it’s ultimately going to be a cost to him. Even Alabama’s own team acknowledges the shortcomings of last season
Kane Wommack reflects on history for a potential answer.
Alabama’s DC Kane Wommack was honest in his thoughts about 2024. “I believe the most significant lesson we can learn from the previous season is that we must approach each day with a sense of urgency to perform at a high level,” he stated following Friday’s spring practice. “I don’t believe there was any malice from anyone, considering you might have a good day today, or you’re concentrated here, or entering this game compared to that one.” However, when you achieve success, it ought to foster a sense of urgency to generate further success for yourself. I believe we didn’t manage success effectively as a team, and I think this negatively impacted our performance on the field. “It clearly affected us during the game.”
That absence of urgency was clear. Moments of dominance were evident, yet inconsistency troubled Alabama last season. Now, Jalen Milroe is gone, and Kalen DeBoer faces a challenging decision in his quarterback room. Keelon Russell? Ty Simpson? Austin Mack? Who will be the starting quarterback? It’s a choice that might shape his time in office. This year will be crucial for the second-year head coach who has not yet gained the respect and loyalty of the fans.
For the time being, allow the conjectures to flourish. However, one thing is obvious — Kalen DeBoer isn’t being given much freedom in Tuscaloosa. If 2025 doesn’t improve considerably, the speculation regarding his job security will only intensify.
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