Kalen DeBoer faced intense criticism after his first season in Tuscaloosa, where the Crimson Tide ended with a disappointing four losses, falling short of the “Bama standard.”
Despite this, staff members and players are acknowledging DeBoer’s efforts to address the team’s shortcomings and restore the program to its former glory.
“Going into this year, we’ve harped on being a player-led team more than a coach-led team,” said Senior WR Germie Bernard, according to The Athletic. “I think there’s been a lot more togetherness. I think that we revisited the standard and know what it’s going to take to uphold that standard.”
Nick Saban’s successor, DeBoer, may very well find success in his second season, with Alabama GM Courtney Morgan expressing confidence.
“I think guys had a kind of bad taste in their mouth after last year,” Morgan noted. “Guys understand we didn’t play to our standard. We’re not using Year 1 as an excuse. These kids are used to winning. Coach DeBoer and myself coming in, we’re used to winning. So no one in that building is satisfied.
“The players, that locker room after the ReliaQuest Bowl was not a great feeling. So I think people have a chip on their shoulder,” Morgan added. “We all come back, we can be a championship team next year. I think guys want to leave here as champions. It says a lot about our culture. Just like any job, if you love your work environment, you love coming to work every day, you’re not in a rush to leave.”
Since stepping into Saban’s shoes, the pressure on DeBoer has been undeniable. However, the stakes for 2025 are clear: anything short of a College Football Playoff appearance—or better yet, a National Championship—would be seen as a failure, especially following the high-profile team overhaul.
For DeBoer, it’s clear: his reputation and future at Alabama are on the line.
