No One Is Dismissing Kalen DeBoer’s Potential as Alabama Football’s New Leader Despite an Inconsistent First Year, Says CBS Sports
When Kalen DeBoer was hired as the head football coach at the University of Alabama in January 2024, he was handed one of the most formidable inheritances in sports history. He wasn’t just replacing a legendary figure—he was stepping into the shoes of Nick Saban, the man widely regarded as the greatest college football coach of all time. That alone was enough to place an unprecedented weight on his shoulders. Now, one year into his tenure, with an up-and-down inaugural season behind him, national pundits are weighing in—and if CBS Sports’ recent evaluations are any indication, DeBoer still commands plenty of respect.
The 2024 season was never going to be easy. DeBoer took over a roster still rich with talent but also adjusting to major philosophical shifts, NIL growing pains, transfer portal volatility, and the psychological shock of losing its iconic leader. For all the expectations and pressure, DeBoer managed to lead the Crimson Tide to an 11–3 record, including a narrow loss in the SEC Championship Game and a competitive showing in the College Football Playoff. While not a flawless debut, it was far from a failure.
CBS Sports recently published its annual “Power Five Coaches Ranking” list, and DeBoer still found himself squarely inside the top 10. That placement, even after a season marked by occasional inconsistency and criticism, underscores the national media’s belief that DeBoer remains the right man for the job in Tuscaloosa. He is not being counted out—and more importantly, the broader football world seems to believe that Alabama’s long-term success under his leadership is not only possible but likely.
To understand why DeBoer still holds such a strong national reputation, it’s essential to unpack the context of his first season. He inherited a team in transition—not just schematically, but culturally. Gone were the rigid structures and “Process”-driven rhythms of the Saban regime. In their place, DeBoer introduced a more player-first, communication-heavy environment with offensive flexibility and strategic delegation.
Offensively, Alabama saw flashes of explosiveness, particularly in the passing game. The Crimson Tide averaged over 34 points per game, and quarterback Jalen Milroe—once considered a questionable fit for DeBoer’s style—made significant progress as a dual-threat weapon. However, inconsistency in pass protection and a lack of explosive run-game production at times stalled the offense in key moments, including late-season losses to Georgia and in the playoff semifinal.
Defensively, the unit remained stout, particularly in the red zone, but struggled at times against tempo-heavy opponents and deep passing attacks. DeBoer’s decision to retain much of the defensive staff created continuity, but also raised questions about whether new schematic ideas were needed to evolve with modern SEC offenses.
Despite those hurdles, Alabama remained a top-five team for much of the year and never lost by more than a touchdown. In an SEC that saw Georgia continue its dominance, Texas emerge as a legitimate playoff force, and LSU and Ole Miss push forward with aggressive roster building, DeBoer’s Tide still competed toe-to-toe with the elite.
According to CBS Sports senior writer Tom Fornelli, DeBoer’s ranking among the top 10 Power Five coaches is rooted in two key factors: sustained success and adaptability.
“People forget how good this guy has been everywhere he’s coached,” Fornelli said. “He won at Sioux Falls, he built up Fresno State, and he turned Washington into a national title contender in two years. One slightly turbulent season at Alabama doesn’t change that.”
That sentiment is echoed by others in the national media. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has consistently defended DeBoer, arguing that Alabama fans and media alike need to allow time for evolution. “No one replaces Saban without bumps in the road,” Finebaum said earlier this offseason. “But Kalen DeBoer is a brilliant offensive mind, a strong communicator, and he’s proven he can build a program. Alabama is in good hands.”
What CBS Sports and other analysts see is a coach who, despite not matching the impossible standard of his predecessor, managed to keep Alabama in the thick of national contention during what could have easily been a full-scale rebuild. That alone is impressive—and worthy of optimism.
Perhaps the strongest signal that DeBoer is not just a placeholder but a long-term leader is Alabama’s continued strength on the recruiting trail. Despite early skepticism that DeBoer, a West Coast native with limited SEC ties, would struggle to recruit in the South, he has proven the doubters wrong.
The 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked in the top five nationally, with multiple five-star commitments and elite talent at wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back. DeBoer has leaned into Alabama’s existing brand while adding his own touch—promoting early playing time, player development, and NIL infrastructure as key selling points.
Several highly touted prospects have gone on record citing DeBoer’s authenticity and vision as reasons for committing. That personal connection, combined with Alabama’s legacy and resources, has allowed the program to maintain its status as an elite recruiting power. For all the concerns about change and transition, DeBoer has shown he can win in living rooms as well as on the field.
Still, DeBoer is not immune from criticism. His handling of in-game situations—particularly clock management late in close games—was questioned during losses to Georgia and Tennessee. In each instance, conservative decisions or questionable play-calling prevented Alabama from capitalizing on momentum. DeBoer acknowledged those errors publicly, a sign of accountability but also a clear recognition that he still has learning curves to navigate in the SEC.
Year two will demand more. With Milroe gone to the NFL, the quarterback position is up for grabs between redshirt sophomore Dylan Lonergan and five-star freshman Keelon Russell. Whoever wins the job will have to quickly develop timing and confidence in DeBoer’s system, especially with early-season tests against Wisconsin and Georgia.
Defensively, Alabama will need to reassert itself as the physical, smothering force that defined the Saban era. That starts with improved pass rush production and better third-down defense. DeBoer’s hire of Kane Wommack as defensive coordinator is seen as a bold but promising move—a signal that he’s not afraid to make changes when necessary.
The 2025 season may very well define how the DeBoer era is ultimately remembered. A strong showing, particularly a return to the SEC Championship Game and another playoff bid, would silence most critics and position Alabama firmly back among the favorites. A stumble, however—especially a drop out of the playoff race—could begin to shake the confidence of a fan base not used to anything less than titles.
Still, what CBS Sports and others recognize is that coaching transitions, even at the best programs, take time. Look no further than how long it took Georgia under Kirby Smart to finally break through, or how Oklahoma and USC struggled initially after changing head coaches. The pressure cooker of replacing a legend is unique, and DeBoer is handling it with humility, determination, and calculated adjustments.
His demeanor, often more calm and composed than Saban’s fiery presence, may not resonate with every traditionalist Alabama fan. But his strategic mind, track record of winning, and ability to build relationships with players and staff all point to long-term success. The media sees that, and the betting markets still view Alabama as a top-five national title contender.
In the end, Alabama doesn’t need another Nick Saban. That’s a standard no one can live up to. What it needs is a forward-thinking, steady leader who can adapt, evolve, and win in a new era of college football. CBS Sports’ vote of confidence in DeBoer suggests they believe he is precisely that.
So while the 2024 season may not have ended with a trophy, it offered something even more important: proof that Alabama remains competitive at the highest level—and that Kalen DeBoer, despite a few bumps, is far from being counted out.
