Much of the doubt about the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2026 is centered on Kalen DeBoer. Has his career track dipped because he is not quite good enough for the SEC? Even some Alabama fans are unsure.
Countering the claim that DeBoer is not good enough is his record against top coaches. Frequently discussed is that in DeBoer's two Washington seasons and two Alabama seasons, DeBoer is 7-1 against Dan Lanning, Steve Sarkisian, and Kirby Smart.
The 7-1 record is impressive. But in the minds of many fans, recent results are more telling. Against Georgia in December and Indiana in January, the Crimson Tide was outclassed. Justifiably, Kalen DeBoer gets a failing grade for both games.
Another perspective about Kalen DeBoer
In 2021, Washington finished 4-8. The Huskies lost the Apple Cup to Washington State 40-13, and in the 2022 preseason, CBS Sports ranked Wazzu as the top team in the state of Washington. Going into DeBoer's first Washington season, the over-under for the Huskies was 8.5. They finished the regular season 10-2 and pushed the record to 11-2 with a bowl win over Texas.
In DeBoer's second Washington season, the preseason over-under was 9.5 wins. The Huskies were 12-0 in the regular season. They finished 14-1after a loss to Michigan in the National Championship Game.
In his two Washington seasons, Kalen DeBoer was the definition of a coach 'exceeding expectations.'
Everything quickly changed for DeBoer when he made the move to Alabama. When DeBoer left Fresno State to take the Washington job, he had no way to go but up. Following GOAT Nick Saban at Alabama, DeBoer had no way to go but down. The same trajectory would have occurred with any hire Greg Byrne could have made to succeed Saban.
It is almost impossible to exceed expectations at Alabama. Not even Nick Saban won a national championship every season, and that every-season goal has long been what Alabama fans expect.
Alabama fans are only confident in their head coach when they are claiming the next national championship. Alabama fans are hoping that in 2026 the Crimson Tide will contend for the national title. Expectations of winning the title are too much of a stretch.
Widespread are Kalen DeBoer on a hot seat rumors. He is not. Greg Byrne's plan is for DeBoer to be in Tuscaloosa for the 2027 season and beyond. Still, DeBoer has much to prove in 2026. His third Alabama roster should have all the pieces needed for his systems to prosper. Alabama fans should have sufficient reason for optimism, but there will be no excuse for DeBoer not producing in 2026.
Note: Team records and coaching results provided by Sports Reference
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