Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama First-Season Grade: Appalling
The 2024 season marked Kalen DeBoer’s first year as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, an appointment that many saw as a pivotal moment for both DeBoer and the storied football program. For years, Alabama had been synonymous with excellence, thanks to Nick Saban’s legendary tenure, but DeBoer, stepping into such large shoes, faced the daunting task of maintaining the Tide’s high standard. Fans and analysts alike eagerly awaited the new direction he would bring to the team.
However, as the season unfolded, many were left disappointed with what they saw on the field. From missed opportunities to lackluster performances against inferior opponents, DeBoer’s debut season failed to meet expectations. When assessing his performance, a clear pattern emerged: mistakes in both strategy and execution. A closer look reveals the various aspects where DeBoer’s first season at Alabama fell short of the program’s high expectations.
The Preseason Optimism
Entering 2024, expectations were sky-high for the Crimson Tide. Alabama had recruited well, boasting a roster loaded with talented players on both sides of the ball. The team had plenty of seasoned veterans mixed with young stars ready to emerge. A major question for the program was how DeBoer, known for his offensive prowess, would mold the offense into something dynamic. He was expected to build on the foundation laid by Saban, a master recruiter and strategist, while putting his own unique stamp on the team’s philosophy.
In interviews, DeBoer stressed a focus on a balanced offense, mixing a powerful ground game with a potent passing attack. He promised to adjust the offense to fit the strengths of his players, something that sounded great on paper. He also talked about fostering a more aggressive defense, emphasizing blitz packages and creating turnovers. This “new” Alabama under DeBoer was supposed to blend the best of the old guard with the innovation of a rising coach.
Alabama fans entered the season with high hopes that their beloved program would seamlessly transition into a new era of dominance under DeBoer’s guidance.
The Offensive Struggles
One of the primary areas where DeBoer’s first season with Alabama fell short was his handling of the offense. Despite his background as a successful offensive coordinator at previous stops, Alabama’s attack was underwhelming. Quarterback play was inconsistent, and DeBoer’s offensive scheme failed to maximize the potential of the talented skill players on the roster.
Early in the season, there were high expectations for the quarterback position, but DeBoer struggled to find the right combination. Whether it was a lack of confidence in the quarterbacks or his own inability to adjust to what was happening on the field, the passing attack never seemed to click. Alabama’s offense sputtered in games that should have been automatic wins, and DeBoer’s reluctance to make necessary changes only added to the frustration.
Running backs, who were supposed to thrive under DeBoer’s system, found themselves stifled by poor offensive line play and a lack of creative scheming. The running game, usually a staple of Alabama football, never seemed to get going, leaving the Tide offense one-dimensional and predictable. DeBoer’s offensive line, despite being one of the most highly recruited units in the country, couldn’t hold up against stronger defenses, and the lack of variety in the playcalling made Alabama too easy to defend.
This stagnation wasn’t just limited to the passing and running game. DeBoer’s inability to adjust in-game also hurt Alabama in crucial situations. The offense looked predictable against top-tier defenses, and DeBoer’s playcalling often seemed to lack the innovation that he had promised.
The Inconsistent Defense
While Alabama’s defense under DeBoer showed flashes of brilliance, it was also plagued by inconsistencies throughout the season. DeBoer’s defensive coordinator, while talented, failed to elevate the unit to the levels of previous seasons under Saban’s watch. Against lesser opponents, the Tide’s defense appeared dominant, but when matched up with high-caliber offenses, they often looked out of their depth.
One of the most glaring issues was Alabama’s inability to stop the pass. Despite having highly-rated cornerbacks and safeties, the secondary seemed to get burned by opponents’ passing attacks. DeBoer’s defensive scheme was supposed to be aggressive, creating pressure on the quarterback while forcing turnovers. However, too often, Alabama’s pass rush was non-existent, leaving their defensive backs exposed.
The linebacker corps, a group historically known for its physicality and leadership, was also inconsistent. Despite boasting some of the best prospects in college football, Alabama struggled to stop the run, allowing opposing teams to gain significant yardage on the ground. This lack of physicality in the trenches exposed the Tide’s defense, which wasn’t the ironclad unit it had been under Saban’s tenure.
DeBoer’s defensive approach lacked the balance necessary to succeed at Alabama. While the defense could hold its own at times, the failures to make adjustments during games or consistently apply pressure left fans frustrated.
Special Teams Woes
Special teams, which are often an overlooked facet of college football, became another area where DeBoer’s Alabama struggled. From poor kick coverage to inconsistent field goal kicking, Alabama couldn’t seem to catch a break on special teams. Several key moments throughout the season were marred by special teams blunders that cost the team valuable field position or even points.
In high-pressure games, special teams can often make or break a team’s success. Alabama’s struggles in this area were particularly notable in tight matchups, where the inability to execute on special teams exacerbated the team’s other issues. The lack of focus and discipline in this phase of the game was yet another knock on DeBoer’s first season.
The Mental Mistakes and Lack of Discipline
Another area where DeBoer’s first season fell short was in terms of mental mistakes and overall team discipline. Alabama, a program known for its focus and professionalism under Saban, often seemed out of sync on the field under DeBoer. Players appeared frustrated, and there were numerous costly penalties at critical moments in games.
Turnovers also became a major problem for Alabama. With such an emphasis on controlling the game and playing mistake-free football, the Tide’s inability to take care of the ball was shocking. Whether it was fumbles or interceptions, Alabama seemed to make unforced errors at the worst possible times, costing them momentum and often putting their defense in difficult positions.
In close games, where discipline and execution are paramount, DeBoer’s Alabama failed to rise to the occasion. The Tide’s lack of mental toughness and composure in key moments reflected poorly on the head coach. Despite having the talent to compete with the best, the Crimson Tide couldn’t seem to execute when it mattered most.