Alabama fans are understandably questioning everything about the Crimson Tide. At the core is doubt. Doubt that Kalen DeBoer is capable of moving the Crimson Tide past uncomfortable. That is how DeBoer defined Alabama's situation after losing to the Vols. Uncomfortable doesn't begin to say enough.
Let's get the coaching grades for the Tennessee game out of the way: Kane Wommack and defensive coaches, B-; Ryan Grubb and offensive coaches, F; Special Teams, A-. Adding Kalen DeBoer to the mix, Overall Coaching Grade: F. Crimson Tide fans with compassion in their hearts could argue that Alabama's numerous key injuries should be considered. Sorry, I'm not grading on a curve.
The way Alabama played against Tennessee was beyond painful to watch. It was disgusting.
Writing for the Tuscaloosa News, Colin Gay described it well: "... there still seemed to be a weight to this particular reality that Alabama really has never faced." Gay responded to Kalen DeBoer's post-game comment that Alabama has "been here before," meaning with its back against a wall.
No Solace for Alabama Fans
DeBoer was factually correct, but his statement provides no solace. Gay reminded Alabama "hasn't lost back-to-back games since 2013" and "hasn't lost back-to-back regular season games since 2007." The 2007 and 2013 seasons carry painful memories for Crimson Tide fans. With Nick Saban, renewed success was expected. That is not where the Alabama Crimson Tide is now.
Alabama could regroup and perhaps find a way in Baton Rouge. Win five straight and the Crimson Tide would be a Playoff team. If Alabama cannot make such a comeback ... what comes next? Kalen DeBoer's job is secure for the 2027 season. Will he be able to make necessary coaching changes?
As John Mitchell wrote on Saturday night, DeBoer may have to move on from Ryan Grubb and Kane Wommack. DeBoer and Grubb go way back. Alabama's offense is more a DeBoer design than a Grubb design. And it clearly is not working, despite one of the most gifted young quarterbacks in college football. It needs something different. There is no indication Grubb knows how to produce it.
Kane Wommack has produced a good Alabama defense. It matches what DeBoer wants. It is designed to limit explosive plays and gain turnovers. Wommack has delivered that. Alabama and Wommack fall short with frequent soft pass coverage and inconsistent quarterback pressure. Press coverage could have changed Saturday night's game, but Wommack avoids it like the plague.
Wommack might be good enough if Alabama had a better offense, but it doesn't now. At the least, Grubb must rapdily produce one or he has to go.
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