Speaking on The Paul Finebaum Show, the longtime SEC insider highlighted that the standard at Alabama is unlike any other program in the country. After Saban’s remarkable run that included six national championships and consistent College Football Playoff appearances, anything less than excellence could quickly spark criticism. However, Finebaum emphasized that DeBoer isn’t expected to replicate Saban’s success overnight — but there are a few key factors that could lead to trouble for the new head coach.
Finebaum pointed to rivalry games as a crucial measuring stick. “If Kalen DeBoer loses to Auburn and Tennessee in the same season, you’re going to hear the grumbling,” Finebaum said. “Alabama fans simply don’t tolerate that, and history shows us that losing to your biggest rivals can turn up the pressure fast.”
Another key factor Finebaum mentioned is Alabama’s performance in the expanded College Football Playoff. Starting with the 2024 season, the playoff format grows to 12 teams, making it more accessible for a program like Alabama. Missing the playoff entirely, or failing to advance past the first round, would undoubtedly lead to questions about DeBoer’s ability to keep the Tide at an elite level.
In addition, Finebaum stressed how important recruiting will be under DeBoer’s leadership. So far, DeBoer has worked quickly to secure key commitments and keep much of the 2024 recruiting class intact after Saban’s retirement. But maintaining Alabama’s status as a perennial top-three recruiting program will be critical moving forward. “Alabama expects to have the best talent in the country every year. If they start slipping in recruiting rankings under DeBoer, that’s going to raise alarms,” Finebaum explained.
While Kalen DeBoer has an impressive coaching résumé — highlighted by a 25-3 record over two seasons at Washington and a national championship appearance in the 2023 season — the SEC presents a new level of weekly competition. Unlike the Pac-12, where DeBoer thrived, every game in the SEC feels like a playoff matchup, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Still, most analysts agree that DeBoer is walking into a strong situation. With a talented roster returning for 2024 and significant support from the Alabama administration, he has the tools needed to succeed immediately. But as Finebaum’s comments make clear, success at Alabama isn’t just measured in wins — it’s measured in championships, rivalry dominance, and continued national relevance.
For now, DeBoer will have a bit of a honeymoon period. But as history has shown, that grace period in Tuscaloosa is short-lived if the wins don’t keep coming.
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