As Alabama football transitions into a new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer, the stakes are high and the expectations even higher. Replacing the legendary Nick Saban is no small task, and DeBoer knows that his every move will be scrutinized under the intense microscope that hovers over Tuscaloosa year-round. But in his short time at the helm, DeBoer has already demonstrated a keen awareness of what it takes to win at the highest level, and more importantly, where his Alabama team needs to improve to maintain its place among college football’s elite.
In a candid assessment of the Crimson Tide’s early practices and scrimmages, DeBoer pointed to several critical moments where he believes the team must sharpen its focus, execution, and consistency. The message is clear: championships are won in the margins, and Alabama has some work to do.
One of the biggest areas of concern DeBoer highlighted was situational football — the pivotal sequences that often define the outcome of a game. Third downs, red zone efficiency, and two-minute drills have been focal points during spring practice and will continue to be emphasized throughout the summer. DeBoer noted that while the talent is there, execution in these high-pressure moments has been inconsistent.
“Football games come down to a handful of plays,” DeBoer said. “It’s not always about dominating every snap — it’s about being sharp when it matters most. That’s what separates the good teams from the great ones, and that’s where we have to be better.”
The emphasis on situational excellence shouldn’t come as a surprise. At Washington, DeBoer built one of the most efficient offenses in the country, and his teams consistently thrived in crunch time. He’s now tasked with instilling that same level of poise and precision in a program that, while loaded with talent, showed signs of vulnerability in those exact situations during recent seasons.
One particularly glaring issue last year was Alabama’s struggles in the red zone, especially in early parts of the season. Too often, drives that began with promise ended in field goals instead of touchdowns. For a program used to overwhelming opponents with explosive plays and dominant finishes, those missed opportunities proved costly — and DeBoer is determined not to let history repeat itself.
“We have to finish drives,” DeBoer said. “It’s about mindset and execution. When we’re in striking distance, we need to come away with seven, not three. That’s been a consistent point of emphasis with our offensive unit, and we’re going to keep drilling it until it becomes second nature.”
But it’s not just the offense that needs to raise its game. DeBoer also called attention to the defense, particularly in the fourth quarter. While Alabama’s defensive unit was often dominant, there were times when lapses in focus or communication led to big plays at the worst possible moments. Against high-level competition, one blown coverage or missed tackle can shift momentum and change the outcome — something DeBoer wants to eliminate.
“We’ve got a lot of experienced guys on defense, and that’s a good thing,” he said. “But experience doesn’t guarantee execution. We’ve got to be better in those late-game moments where one stop could make all the difference.”
Leadership will play a huge role in that process, and DeBoer has been pleased with the emergence of several veteran voices on both sides of the ball. Players like linebacker Deontae Lawson, edge rusher Dallas Turner, and quarterback Jalen Milroe have taken it upon themselves to set the tone and hold their teammates accountable. That player-driven culture is something DeBoer sees as vital to Alabama’s success moving forward.
“Championship teams are built in the locker room as much as on the practice field,” DeBoer said. “You need your leaders to step up and demand excellence from the guys around them. We’ve got some vocal leaders who are doing that, and that gives me confidence in where we’re heading.”
Milroe, in particular, has embraced the added responsibility that comes with being the face of the offense. After an up-and-down 2023 season in which he showed flashes of brilliance but also moments of inexperience, the junior quarterback has taken significant strides under DeBoer’s guidance. From improved decision-making to more consistent mechanics, Milroe is showing signs of becoming the complete quarterback Alabama needs to contend for a national title.
Still, DeBoer is quick to point out that growth doesn’t happen overnight. Even with all the talent and potential, this Alabama team is very much a work in progress — and the journey from good to great requires attention to detail in every aspect of preparation.
“We’re building something,” he said. “That takes time, and it takes buy-in from everyone. The good news is, the guys are embracing the process. They want to be great. They understand that wearing that Alabama jersey means something — and it comes with a standard that can’t be compromised.”
Part of that standard involves playing clean football, and DeBoer has placed a premium on discipline. Penalties, mental errors, and turnovers have been dissected in film sessions and addressed during practice. DeBoer knows that in the SEC, one mental lapse can swing the game — and he’s not going to tolerate sloppy play.
“We’re not going to beat ourselves,” he said firmly. “Discipline is non-negotiable. That’s something Coach Saban instilled here, and I fully believe in continuing that legacy. If you want to win championships, you can’t give the other team free yards or second chances. It’s that simple.”
To help reinforce those values, DeBoer has leaned heavily on his coaching staff, many of whom bring deep experience and proven track records. Names like Ryan Grubb, his trusted offensive coordinator, and Kane Wommack, the new defensive coordinator with SEC roots, are playing crucial roles in shaping the team’s identity. The goal isn’t to mimic the past, but to honor it while evolving the program in ways that reflect DeBoer’s unique vision.
That vision includes more tempo on offense, more aggressiveness on defense, and a renewed commitment to player development. DeBoer’s approach is equal parts innovation and old-school fundamentals — a blend he believes will help the Crimson Tide stay ahead of the curve while still dominating the trenches and controlling the line of scrimmage.
“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,” DeBoer said. “But we do want to bring some fresh ideas and energy into what we’re doing. At the end of the day, it’s still about blocking, tackling, and executing your assignment better than the guy across from you.”
That mindset has resonated with the players, who have responded positively to DeBoer’s message and methods. While there’s naturally an adjustment period anytime a new coach takes over, the early returns suggest that DeBoer has the locker room’s full attention and respect. That buy-in will be critical as Alabama navigates a challenging schedule that includes early tests and no shortage of high-stakes matchups.
Looking ahead, DeBoer knows that the margin for error will be razor-thin. The SEC remains the toughest conference in college football, and the new 12-team Playoff format means every game carries massive implications. There’s no time for slow starts or learning on the fly. Alabama has to be sharp from the opening kickoff — and DeBoer is doing everything he can to ensure his team is ready.
“We talk all the time about being 1-0 each week,” he said. “That’s the mindset. Every opponent is dangerous, every game is an opportunity to prove who we are. If we stay focused on the details, if we win those key moments, we’re going to like where we end up.”
