Paul Finebaum Reveals What Would Put Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer on the Hot Seat
Replacing a legendary coach at any school is no easy task, and Kalen DeBoer faced exactly that situation in 2024.
DeBoer was hired to take over the Alabama Crimson Tide after Nick Saban, arguably the greatest college football coach ever. Saban led the Crimson Tide from 2007-23, during which he won six national championships, in addition to one at LSU.
DeBoer’s first season did not go as planned. The Crimson Tide finished with a record of 9-4, marking their worst season since Saban’s inaugural year in 2007. On “The Paul Finebaum Show,” SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum was asked whether DeBoer’s job would be in jeopardy if he lost the first game of the season against the Florida State Seminoles. Finebaum did not hesitate in his response.
“The answer to that is a most emphatic, yes,” Finebaum said.
The Seminoles are coming off a disappointing season as well. After starting the year ranked No. 10 in the country, they ended up with a record of 2-10. Both teams are likely eager for a significant win to build momentum heading into the 2025 season.
Finebaum’s comments align with his perspective since the season ended. He has noted that many Alabama fans have expressed their frustrations, and there’s a growing impatience with the team’s performance. If things don’t improve in 2025 or if the season starts poorly, Finebaum believes the head coach could be let go after the season.
The Crimson Tide will kick off their season against the Seminoles on Aug. 30.
