Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer Isn’t Going Anywhere-Even If the Tide Falls to Oklahoma
As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare for their College Football Playoff showdown against Oklahoma, the noise around head coach Kalen DeBoer’s future is starting to creep in. But let’s be clear: DeBoer’s seat isn’t heating up-at least not yet. Even if Alabama stumbles in Norman on Friday night, all signs point to the program staying the course with its first-year head coach.
There’s been some chatter suggesting that a loss to the Sooners could push DeBoer into the hot seat heading into 2026. But that seems premature given the broader picture in Tuscaloosa.
This isn’t the same Alabama program that lived and died by perfection under Nick Saban. The expectations are still sky-high, but the culture has shifted-slightly.
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne recently addressed that evolution head-on. In a candid interview, Byrne acknowledged that while the goal is always to win, the program is embracing a more measured view of success.
“It’s a good culture,” Byrne said. “Will we win every single game we want to win? Nope, we’ll lose one or two that maybe we shouldn’t at some point… But we’ll also win some games, and we’ll win those games based on the hard work and resiliency that we’re showing, and that’s what you’ve got to look at long term.”
That’s a notable shift from the Saban era, where dropping even one game felt like a crisis. Byrne’s comments suggest Alabama is willing to give DeBoer the runway to build something sustainable, even if there are a few bumps early on.
And let’s not forget-DeBoer inherited a program in transition. Taking over for a legend like Saban comes with a unique set of challenges.
There’s no blueprint for that. The roster has talent, but it’s also been shaped by a different philosophy.
Adjusting to new systems and expectations takes time, even at a place like Alabama.
From a strategic standpoint, Alabama doesn’t have many slam-dunk options if it were to make a change. The coaching carousel has already spun through its most chaotic stretch, and most top-tier candidates are off the board. The Michigan job is still open, but beyond that, the market is thinning.
Sure, someone like Lane Kiffin will always be a name that floats around-he’s never truly out of the rumor mill-but Alabama isn’t in panic mode. And they’re certainly not making a move just for the sake of optics.
For now, the Tide are sticking with DeBoer. And that’s probably the right call.
There’s no need to hit the eject button after one season-especially one that still includes a trip to the College Football Playoff. If anything, this is a chance for DeBoer to show what he’s made of on the biggest stage.
Alabama fans might be adjusting to a new reality, one where the occasional loss doesn’t trigger a full-blown existential crisis. But make no mistake: The standard is still the standard in Tuscaloosa. DeBoer’s long-term future will ultimately be judged by wins, development, and whether he can keep Alabama in the national title conversation.
For now, he’s got that opportunity. And unless something truly unexpected unfolds, he’ll get another year to prove he’s the right man to lead the Crimson Tide into the post-Saban era.