Alabama football's head coach Kalen DeBoer is celebrating a significant achievement in the Crimson Tide's journey: a dramatic reduction in penalties during the 2025 season. Among SEC teams, Alabama ranked near the top for having the fewest infractions, trailing only Georgia and Florida.
Reflecting on the progress, DeBoer noted the challenges his team faced in his inaugural season in Tuscaloosa, attributing earlier struggles with penalties to the numerous transitions within the team. “Two years ago, it wasn’t so much about being undisciplined,” DeBoer explained.
“There were just a lot of moving parts, and guys were perhaps overthinking, which led to mistakes like holding calls and defensive pass interference. But we’ve turned things around from being one of the most penalized to one of the least, and that’s a strength we need to maintain.”
As DeBoer heads into his third year, continuity is a key theme for Alabama. Both offensive coordinator Kane Wommack and defensive coordinator Ryan Grubb are set to return, providing stability to the coaching staff. The secondary also boasts a wealth of experience, which should help maintain discipline on the field.
However, the Tide is not without challenges. With new faces stepping into key roles, the potential for penalties remains if DeBoer and his team don’t keep a sharp focus on discipline. The emphasis on minimizing penalties will be crucial as Alabama looks to build on its recent success and continue its upward trajectory in the SEC.