The Alabama Crimson Tide, once the perennial powerhouse of the SEC, is navigating a new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer. Since the legendary Nick Saban retired in 2024, the Tide's spotlight has dimmed, with Georgia and Texas now dominating the SEC conversation.
Joel Klatt from FOX Sports has voiced his thoughts, placing Alabama as the third team in his mind when considering the conference's hierarchy. “We all just assume that this program is going to be just fine and they’ll be great.
But, the reality is that they have quickly descended into a place that, when I think about their conference, I don’t think about them initially, and I don’t even think about them in the top three,” Klatt shared on his show. He points to a downward trajectory for Alabama, noting that while their victory against Georgia last year was impressive, a turnaround doesn't seem imminent.
The question of leadership looms large in Tuscaloosa. Could Lane Kiffin be the answer?
His recent departure from Ole Miss to LSU left a trail of controversy, and some speculate that he might consider another move-this time to Alabama. While The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel is skeptical, he doesn’t rule out the possibility.
Kiffin's history suggests he’s not one to shy away from bold career moves. Leaving LSU for Alabama would certainly stir the pot, potentially easing tensions in Oxford while creating new ones in Baton Rouge. If Kiffin truly covets the Alabama job, as he has hinted in the past, this could be a risk he's willing to take.
As the SEC landscape continues to evolve, Alabama finds itself at a crossroads. Whether DeBoer can steer the Tide back to dominance or if a new face like Kiffin will take the helm remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the SEC drama is far from over.