‘Not Even Close’ — CFB Insider Reveals Why Kalen DeBoer Completely Outclasses Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin

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Kalen DeBoer is in his third season as Alabama head coach after taking over for the legendary Nick Saban in 2024. That job came with enormous expectations, yet Alabama doubled down on its belief in him by handing DeBoer a new seven-year extension in April. The deal runs through the 2032 season and pays him $12.5 million per year, placing him among the highest-paid coaches in college football.

So, was that commitment the right move? College football insider Bruce Feldman believes it absolutely was. In fact, he went even further by saying DeBoer has already separated himself from both Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin as a head coach.

Insider Explains Why Kalen DeBoer Is Already Better Than Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin

Speaking on “The Next Round” podcast, Feldman explained why he views DeBoer so highly.

“I think it’s probably better nationally than it is locally…” Feldman said. “Kalen DeBoer has done more than Steve Sarkisian, and he’s done more than Lane Kiffin.”

Feldman explained DeBoer inherited a four-win team back in Washington before quickly turning it into a national contender. He also highlighted DeBoer’s winning run at Fresno State.

DeBoer coached Washington from 2022 through 2023 and earned Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors in both seasons. He guided the Huskies to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2023 after winning the Pac-12 title. Washington also finished with 14 victories that season, the highest single-season total in school history.

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That remarkable stretch became one of the biggest reasons Alabama chose him to succeed Saban.

“I think he’s a really, really good coach,” Feldman added. “You look at his record against top teams, Sark’s record against top teams, Lane’s record, they’re not even close to what Kalen DeBoer has done.”

DeBoer’s resume also supports Feldman’s argument.

Across six combined seasons at Fresno State, Washington, and Alabama, DeBoer has posted a 20-6 record against Top 25 opponents. His 20 victories over ranked teams since 2021 rank second among active head coaches entering the 2026 season.

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Meanwhile, Sarkisian has helped Texas become a national contender, but his record against elite competition has remained a challenge. Kiffin has also produced a lower winning percentage against quality opponents than DeBoer.

Per CBS Sports’ career-record-vs-AP-Top-25 project, Steve Sarkisian was at 21-33 (.388) entering 2025. Similarly, Lane Kiffin was at 11-24 (.314) entering 2025.

Having said that, going into the next season, fans have enormous expectations from DeBoer because Alabama measures success differently than most programs.

Fortunately for DeBoer, Alabama’s schedule gives his team time to build momentum.

The Crimson Tide may not face a ranked opponent until Georgia visits on Oct. 10. After that, the schedule stiffens with a home date against Texas A&M on Oct. 24, sandwiched between road trips to Tennessee (Oct. 17) and LSU (Nov. 7).

If Alabama handles its early business, confidence could grow before that demanding stretch begins.

So, the path to the playoffs looks realistic, and that makes DeBoer’s third season a major test, especially with expectations rising day by day.

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