Kalen DeBoer's tenure as Alabama's head coach has sparked plenty of conversation, both in Tuscaloosa and beyond. With a 20-8 record over two seasons, DeBoer has already made his mark, leading the Crimson Tide to an impressive 11-win season and a spot in the College Football Playoff in 2025. However, the journey has been anything but straightforward.
As the season wound down, rumors linked DeBoer to open positions at Penn State and Michigan, raising questions about his contentment in Tuscaloosa. The intense expectations and pressure of the role seemed to be taking their toll.
Alabama's dramatic 17-point comeback against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff's opening round was a pivotal moment. Yet, a disappointing loss in the Rose Bowl quickly overshadowed that success, and discussions about a contract extension for DeBoer have since quieted.
Looking ahead to 2026, DeBoer's third season is shaping up to be a defining one. It could chart the course for both his future and the program's direction.
Nationally, there's skepticism about DeBoer's long-term future with Alabama. Ralph Russo of The Athletic recently projected the head coaches for every Power Four program in 2030, predicting significant changes across the board. According to Russo, DeBoer won't make it to his seventh season with Alabama, envisioning him at USC by 2030, taking over for Lincoln Riley.
Russo's projections suggest Alabama might turn to Jon Sumrall, currently at Florida, as DeBoer's successor. This move would be a bold statement by Alabama, indicating their intent to secure a proven leader.
Though Russo's predictions are speculative, the potential path for DeBoer to USC isn't hard to imagine. Jen Cohen, USC's Athletic Director, previously hired DeBoer at Washington, where he led the Huskies to the National Championship Game before moving to Alabama. The cultural and stylistic fit at USC might appeal to DeBoer if he's seeking a change.
Should Sumrall become Alabama's head coach by 2030, it would imply rapid success at Florida, following his achievements at Tulane and Troy. Alabama poaching him would be a strategic move, underscoring their commitment to excellence.
If DeBoer departs in the next few years, Alabama will face immense pressure to make the right hire. While Russo's projections are speculative, they offer a glimpse into the dynamic landscape of college football coaching.