The expectations were always going to be high for whoever stepped in to replace legendary Alabama football coach Nick Saban. You almost had to feel bad for Kalen DeBoer, as the pressure was on for him to live up to the hype in Tuscaloosa after powering Washington to the title game the season before too.
Plain and simple, things were rough for DeBoer, with Alabama going 9-4 and the campaign ending with a loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The fact that the Tide were even in that particular bowl game had people ready to rip their hair out.
Looking ahead to next season, the Crimson Tide need to record a total 180. It's on DeBoer to make that happen, as he is responsible for the wins and losses for the SEC powerhouse. Recently, he was included on a list of coaches with the most to prove for next campaign on 247Sports. You know what, 247 is spot on:
Coaches With the Most to Prove in 2025 according to @CoachGVDixon 🏈
— 247Sports (@247Sports) February 19, 2025
What do you think? pic.twitter.com/UG4s9V3sKl
Kalen DeBoer needs to get Alabama back to the top of the SEC in 2025
There has been wild speculation too that if DeBoer doesn't lead Alabama to the College Football Playoff, he could be out of a job next offseason. That would be unreal if it happens, but fans all over the state are hopeful that won't be the case.
Instead of consistent talk about DeBoer's seat being hot next fall, there's optimism that Alabama can be the same kind of team everyone has grown used to seeing over the years. Obviously, there's going to be a massive decision to be made at quarterback.
With spring ball almost here, 5-star QB Keelon Russell is going to have countless eyes on him. Ty Simpson and Austin Mack will also be closely followed. Russell, a 2025 signee, enrolled early and will get his first taste of college action soon.
There's a ton of pressure on him to play well from an early age, but DeBoer also isn't going to rush him into the QB1 spot if he's not ready. The QB call DeBoer makes is why he is paid the big bucks, but it's also going to be critical that he makes the right decision. Plenty of people have already written Alabama off for '25. DeBoer needs to prove to all of those haters that they're way off in doing so.