Kalen DeBoer's Job on the Line in CFP, Ex-Alabama Star Says

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Kalen DeBoer's Job on the Line in CFP, Ex-Alabama Star Says

Key Points:

  • Kalen DeBoer’s job is in question
  • An ex-Alabama star put him on the hot seat
  • The Tide awaits its first round opponent

The Alabama Crimson Tide was beaten soundly by the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2025 SEC Championship Game by a score of 28-7 before backing into the 2025-26 College Football Playoff with a 10-3 record.

Coach Kalen DeBoer has big shoes to fill as seven-time national champion Nick Saban‘s replacement and has done his best to manage and live up to expectations since he was hired before last season.

On Friday, an ex-Alabama star running back’s opinion on DeBoer was revealed as he challenged the current Tide and former Washington Huskies coach’s fitness for the job in comments posted to social media.

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer looks on before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Harris’ Ultimatum to DeBoer, Revealed

Former Tide star running back Damien Harris believes that Kalen DeBoer must win a first round College Football Playoff game to keep his job in Tuscaloosa.

“In my opinion, I think his job is on the line with this game (against Oklahoma),” Harris said. “And I think that there’s a lot of reasons why,” he continued.

Harris said DeBoer must make improvements and adjustments to “flip the script” against the Sooners, who beat the Tide 23-21 in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 15.

“A lot of Alabama fans are sitting here and waiting for Kalen DeBoer to essentially put a chokehold on this team and basically say, this is the way that we need to do things, we haven’t lived up to the standard yet,” Harris continued.

“I think his job is on the line with this game,” he added. “This isn’t the history and tradition that Alabama fans are used to.”

Fans React to Harris Comments

Fans had a wide variety of opinions with some pumping the brakes on Harris’ ultimatum.

“He’s got at least another year,” one said, referencing the offensive line’s struggles.

“His job isn’t on the line it’s only been two years so stop the nonsense,” another said.

“What we are used to is loyal fans,” another said, seeming to point the finger at Harris.

“Sit this one out Damien.”

“Bro clearly isn’t thinking,” another person said. “If you run him out now, the program falls apart.”

The Crimson Tide are scheduled to face the Sooners on Friday, Dec. 19 at Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, a tall task for DeBoer in what is expected to be a raucous hometown crowd where many top teams have lost in recent years.

Related: 2 Candidates Emerging for Michigan Head Coaching Job, Ex-Wolverines Star Says

Related: Penn State Fans Blast Nick Saban For Comments on New HC Matt Campbell

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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