The Alabama Crimson Tide are off to a shaky start after being upset by the Florida State Seminoles in Week One of the regular season. While it’s still early, the alarm bells are already ringing in Tuscaloosa — and that’s never a good sign. Some have even begun calling for head coach Kalen DeBoer to be fired and replaced.
“It’s my personal opinion that if Kalen DeBoer continues to struggle down in Tuscaloosa and that if it became known that barstoolgruden was interested in coaching at Bama that they’d happily pay that buyout of $70 million and bring Gruden in,” Maurice Clarett wrote.
One issue that may buy DeBoer some time is the size of his contract buyout, which is among the most expensive in college football. While DeBoer was considered a strong hire for the Crimson Tide, he’s struggling to get his team firing on all cylinders.
“Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer has one of college football's largest buyouts this season at approximately $63 million following a multi-year contract he signed in January 2024 to succeed Nick Saban with the Crimson Tide,” CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford reported.
Things have gotten so bad that even boosters and key power brokers are expressing concern over the program’s direction.
“Alabama fans aren’t just restless — boosters and power brokers are too. Early in Kalen DeBoer’s tenure, real concerns are surfacing in Tuscaloosa,” On3 posted.
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An anonymous Alabama donor explained the frustration that’s building just a few games into the season.
“when we put a team out there that looks uninspired like we have far too many times these past two years and lose to teams that we’re clearly more talented than, that’s when it becomes a problem … and not just a bunch of spoiled fans griping,” the donor said.
This serves as a direct criticism of DeBoer and how he prepares his team. On Saturday, there were multiple moments when Alabama didn’t look like the dominant force fans have come to expect. If DeBoer doesn’t address the issues quickly, his job could genuinely be in jeopardy.