Kalen DeBoer's Alabama Future Lands Resounding Take From Insider

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Kalen DeBoer had some gigantic, otherworldly shoes to fill when he took the Alabama Crimson Tide head-coaching job following the 2023 college football season.

DeBoer was replacing Nick Saban, who decided to hang it up following his 17th season in Tuscaloosa. Throughout his run, which spanned from 2007 through 2023, Saban won six national championships, equaling the mark of the legendary Bear Bryant.

The much more soft-spoken DeBoer did not come with nearly as much experience, but at the time, he had just led Washington to a National Championship Game appearance, so there was plenty of hope for him at the outset.

Of course, it didn't take long for Alabama fans to come with torches and pitchforks, especially after DeBoer went 9-4 and lost to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl during his debut campaign.

An embarrassing season-opening loss to Florida State last year only strengthened the vitriol from the Crimson Tide faithful, but DeBoer redeemed himself — kind of — by rattling off 11 wins and getting Alabama into the College Football Playoff.

Yes, the Tide ended up getting routed by Indiana in the Rose Bowl, but it's hard not to view Year 2 as a successful one for DeBoer.

Regardless, there are some who still wonder if DeBoer is coaching on borrowed time at 'Bama, and in a recent mailbag, Stewart Mandel of The Athletic was asked what would happen if Alabama went 6-6 this coming season.

Much to the chagrin of Crimson Tide fans, Mandel made it clear that he does not anticipate DeBoer will be gone after 2026 under any circumstances … unless he himself decides to depart.

"Alabama AD Greg Byrne gave DeBoer an extension (through the 2032 season) and a raise (from $10.3 million to $12.5 million) in April to officially squash any hot-seat chatter," Mandel wrote. "I’m sure Bama fans would be apoplectic if DeBoer goes 6-6 in Year 3, but the only way he’s not coming back is if it’s by choice."

DeBoer has gone 20-8 over his first couple of seasons in Tuscaloosa. By contrast, Saban lost a grand total of eight games over his last five years.

Most schools would happily sign for a .714 winning percentage and a CFP appearance, but the standard at Alabama is obviously different.

DeBoer certainly knew that when he took the job, though, so there is no question that he must produce better results going forward.

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