Kalen DeBoer’s first season as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide did not meet the lofty expectations of a program accustomed to dominance. After taking over the reins from Nick Saban, DeBoer faced an uphill battle navigating a team in transition, which resulted in a subpar record by Alabama’s standards. Now, with Year 1 in the books, DeBoer must make pivotal decisions to set the program back on a championship trajectory—starting with finding the answer at quarterback.
When DeBoer arrived at Alabama, he inherited a team with immense talent but significant question marks, particularly at quarterback. Bryce Young’s departure to the NFL left a void that proved difficult to fill. The Tide cycled through several quarterbacks during the season, none of whom consistently delivered the elite-level play Alabama fans expect.
Compounding the quarterback struggles were issues on the offensive line and a defense that lacked its usual dominance. While Alabama remained competitive in most games, the lack of execution in critical moments led to losses that kept the Tide out of the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year.
For a program that defines itself by championships, anything less than competing for the title is seen as failure. As a result, DeBoer enters his second offseason under intense scrutiny, with the need for swift and decisive changes.
Perhaps the most pressing issue DeBoer faces is resolving Alabama’s quarterback situation. The Tide’s offense sputtered throughout the year as the coaching staff rotated between options, including returning players and transfers, but none stood out as the clear leader.
The search for an elite quarterback is critical not only for on-field success but also for recruiting momentum. Alabama’s ability to attract top-tier talent hinges on its reputation as a program that develops NFL-caliber quarterbacks. If DeBoer cannot solidify this position, it could have a ripple effect on the program’s ability to recruit top offensive talent.
The 2024 recruiting class includes several highly touted quarterback prospects, but it remains unclear if any are ready to take the reins as true freshmen. DeBoer may also look to the transfer portal, which has become an essential tool for rebuilding quickly. Landing an experienced quarterback with proven production could stabilize the offense and provide the leadership Alabama needs.
Another critical area of focus for DeBoer is his coaching staff. The offensive and defensive coordinators came under fire throughout the season for inconsistent game plans and questionable in-game adjustments. DeBoer must evaluate whether his current staff is capable of leading Alabama back to prominence or if changes are necessary.
The offensive coordinator, in particular, has faced criticism for failing to adapt to the strengths of the quarterbacks on the roster. DeBoer’s background as an offensive guru makes this position especially important. If he chooses to make a change, he’ll need to find someone who can modernize Alabama’s offense while maintaining the physicality that has been a hallmark of the program.
One of the less tangible but equally critical tasks for DeBoer is restoring the confidence and swagger that have defined Alabama football for over a decade. The Crimson Tide are no strangers to adversity, but a second consecutive season outside the playoff has led to murmurs that the program’s dynasty is fading.
DeBoer must combat this narrative by instilling belief in his players, fans, and recruits. The transfer portal era means that players can leave quickly if they sense instability, making it even more important for DeBoer to demonstrate that Alabama is still a premier destination for top talent.
The upcoming offseason will likely define DeBoer’s tenure at Alabama. He must make critical decisions regarding the quarterback position, coaching staff, and overall program direction. While his first year was rocky, DeBoer has the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and chart a new course for the Crimson Tide.
Alabama fans are not known for their patience, and DeBoer knows that another disappointing season could lead to significant pressure on his job security. However, with the right moves, he has the chance to return Alabama to its familiar position atop college football.
The next few months will reveal whether Kalen DeBoer can rise to the challenge and prove that he is the right man to lead Alabama into a new era of success.