Kalen Deboer had some very big shoes to fill when he came to Alabama, taking over from the legendary football coach Nick Saban. Alabama football was the standard for all college football teams for so long under Saban and when he left, it almost felt like no one maybe wanted the job because having to fill those shoes wouldn't be easy.
In his first season with the Crimson Tide, DeBoer led the team to a 9-4 record, but missed the College Football Playoff and even lost the bowl game to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. That wasn't how DeBoer wanted to end the season, but 2024 is over now and it is time to turn all the attention to 2025.
DeBoer knows what football means to Alabama and its fans, and it's something he knows not to mess with. Having a strong fan base can make more of a difference for a team than anyone truly realizes, and Alabama's fan base is truly unrivaled. Plus, the alternative is something no one wants and DeBoer knows that and wants to show hi appreciation to the Alabama faithful.
"I appreciate everything about our fanbase, you want that intensity," DeBoer said on the Josh Pate's College Football Show. "The alternative is to have people that don't really care, and that's no fun."
Expectations could be even higher for DeBoer in year two with the Crimson Tide
When DeBoer was at Washington, he was able to lead the Huskies to a National Championship after just three seasons. Alabama fans are hoping he can replicate his success now at Alabama, which has much better resources and the tradition and legacy to stand behind it.
Alabama did find itself in ESPN's way-too-early college football top 25 rankings, coming in at No. 12 with some key returning players. Probably the biggest loss for Alabama this next year is quarterback Jalen Milroe, so DeBoer will have a decision to make when it comes to the quarterback position this next season.
While his first year was frustrating for fans, DeBoer could have even higher expectations this season, as fans are going to want to see results from a full offseason now.