Paul Finebaum, a well-known college football commentator and analyst, has long been a prominent voice in the world of NCAA football, particularly in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With his deep understanding of the game and the nuances that come with managing high-profile programs, Finebaum has often shared his insights on what could potentially cause coaches to face immense pressure, even at elite programs like Alabama.
This time, his comments have focused on Kalen DeBoer, a rising coaching star who has been linked to the Alabama Crimson Tide as a possible future candidate for head coach. Although DeBoer is not currently on the Alabama staff, his name has been floated in conversations due to his success at the University of Washington, where he has gained recognition as one of the most successful young offensive minds in college football. However, Finebaum’s analysis brings a sense of urgency to the conversation, shedding light on what could cause DeBoer to be placed on the hot seat should he take on a future role with Alabama.
### Who is Kalen DeBoer?
Before delving into what could put Kalen DeBoer on the hot seat at Alabama, it’s important to understand his background and the rapid rise that has made him one of the most talked-about coaches in college football.
DeBoer’s coaching career took off in a big way when he became the head coach at Fresno State in 2017. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs had one of their best seasons in recent memory, with DeBoer’s high-powered offense leading Fresno State to a 12-2 record and a Mountain West Championship. His success at Fresno State led to a job as the head coach at Washington in 2022, a position where he continued to showcase his talents as an offensive guru.
At Washington, DeBoer inherited a team that had underperformed in recent years but quickly turned things around. He revamped the offense, focusing on developing quarterback play and creating a balanced, fast-paced attack. Under DeBoer’s leadership, Washington’s offense improved dramatically, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. emerged as one of the best signal-callers in the nation. The Huskies had a strong 2022 season, and DeBoer’s ability to develop talent and execute his offensive philosophy drew attention from around the country.
### Why is Kalen DeBoer Linked to Alabama?
Given Alabama’s rich history of success and the program’s current status under head coach Nick Saban, the idea that Kalen DeBoer could eventually land in Tuscaloosa is far from far-fetched. Alabama has long been known for its powerhouse defense and dominant running game, but with the evolving landscape of college football, particularly with the rise of high-scoring offenses, the Crimson Tide might look for a fresh face who can bring a new, dynamic approach to the offense.
Nick Saban’s tenure at Alabama has been marked by dominance, but it has also seen a shift toward incorporating more modern offensive philosophies. Saban has brought in offensive minds like Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian to elevate the team’s offensive game, and as Alabama continues to recruit top-tier talent, the need for a high-powered, balanced offense has become more urgent. DeBoer, with his track record of offensive success and development, could be seen as a potential fit to carry on that trend once Saban decides to retire or step down from his role as head coach.
### Finebaum’s Analysis: What Could Put DeBoer on the Hot Seat?
While Kalen DeBoer’s potential move to Alabama could bring excitement and optimism, Finebaum’s comments on what could put him on the hot seat shed light on the immense pressure that comes with coaching at a place like Alabama. Finebaum doesn’t mince words when discussing the expectations that come with the Alabama job, and his insights into DeBoer’s potential struggles provide a sobering perspective for any coach, no matter how successful they’ve been at other programs.
#### 1. **High Expectations from Day One**
One of the most immediate challenges DeBoer would face at Alabama is the immense pressure to win, especially in a program that has seen success under Nick Saban for over a decade. Alabama has a tradition of winning championships, and the expectations for any head coach who takes over the program are nothing short of elite. Finebaum emphasizes that DeBoer would have to hit the ground running and produce immediate results to avoid the wrath of Alabama’s demanding fan base.
Alabama’s fan base, while passionate and loyal, also expects their team to consistently contend for national championships. If DeBoer were to stumble in his first few seasons, especially if the offense underperformed, he could quickly find himself in a difficult position. Alabama’s fans and administrators are accustomed to a standard of excellence, and anything less could quickly result in scrutiny, regardless of the coach’s prior successes at other programs.
#### 2. **Pressure to Compete in the SEC**
One of the most significant factors that Finebaum highlights is the inherent challenge of coaching in the SEC. The SEC is arguably the most competitive and talent-rich conference in college football, with multiple elite programs vying for supremacy year in and year out. Alabama, of course, is one of those programs, but the competition is fierce, with teams like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee rising to prominence.
DeBoer, as an offensive-minded coach, would have to deal with defenses in the SEC that are some of the best in the nation. Alabama’s high-powered offense would need to consistently perform at a high level to compete in a conference known for its dominant defenses. Finebaum suggests that if DeBoer’s offense were to struggle in SEC play, particularly against strong defensive teams, it could quickly lead to criticism and calls for change. The pressure to adapt to the SEC’s physicality and elite defenses could create significant challenges for DeBoer.
#### 3. **Recruiting in the Shadow of Saban**
Nick Saban’s success in recruiting has been a cornerstone of Alabama’s dominance. He has set a standard for recruiting excellence, and any successor would have to maintain that level of success in attracting top-tier talent. Finebaum points out that recruiting at Alabama is both a blessing and a curse—while the program’s tradition and resources allow for exceptional talent acquisition, the expectations to land elite recruits year after year would be a major challenge for DeBoer.
If DeBoer were unable to recruit at the same level as Saban or failed to land key players, particularly at the quarterback and offensive skill positions, he could face criticism. At Alabama, failure to recruit the nation’s top talent, especially when other schools like Georgia, LSU, and even Texas A&M are consistently recruiting at a high level, would put DeBoer under immense pressure to justify his position.
#### 4. **Adapting to the Modern Game**
Finebaum also mentions that, while DeBoer has been successful at Washington with his offensive schemes, Alabama operates under a very different set of expectations and resources. The ability to adapt to the fast-changing landscape of college football, particularly with the influence of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, will be essential for DeBoer’s success. Finebaum points out that if DeBoer struggles to adapt to these modern realities, it could put him on the hot seat, especially as other programs are quickly capitalizing on these new dynamics.
### Conclusion
Kalen DeBoer’s potential future at Alabama could be an exciting development for the Crimson Tide, especially if they look to continue evolving their offensive strategy in the post-Saban era. However, as Paul Finebaum points out, the pressure that comes with coaching at a program like Alabama is immense, and DeBoer would face several challenges if he were to take the job. From high expectations to fierce competition in the SEC, the road to success in Tuscaloosa is filled with obstacles. If DeBoer struggles to meet those challenges, he could quickly find himself on the hot seat, no matter his past successes. The reality is that, in the world of college football, only sustained excellence will keep a coach secure at one of the nation’s most high-profile programs.
