College football’s opening weekend delivered drama across the board, but nothing sent bigger shockwaves than Alabama’s stunning loss to Florida State. In front of a roaring crowd in Tallahassee, the unranked Seminoles bullied the Crimson Tide 31-17, running for more than 230 yards and holding Alabama to one of its lowest rushing totals in decades. For a fan base used to dominance, this wasn’t just an upset; it was a gut punch.
What Advice Did Nick Saban Give to Kalen DeBoer?
There’s no higher pressure than head coach Kalen DeBoer, who has achieved a 9-5 record since taking over in 2024 following Nick Saban’s retirement.
Alabama fans aren’t just frustrated, they’re worried. Can this program still live up to “The Standard” that defined it for nearly two decades?
But if anyone knows what DeBoer is facing, it’s Saban himself. Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show” earlier this week, the legendary coach offered perspective and a bit of reassurance to a fan base desperate for answers.
“Kalen DeBoer is a really good coach and he’s had success everywhere that he’s been,” Saban said. “Maybe he hadn’t had to deal with this kind of scrutiny in the past, but if you’re going to be successful, you’ve got to be able to self-assess and figure out, ‘Hey, what can I do better?’ I know he’s reaching out to a lot of people trying to do that, and hopefully they get it turned around this week and develop some confidence so they can move forward.”
“Kalen DeBoer is a really good coach and he’s had success everywhere that he’s been..
They’ve gotta stay focused on getting better and all these guys have to be committed to the team”
Coach Saban #PMSLive https://t.co/nZxp0gdaFX pic.twitter.com/HTLb7pe7BH
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 5, 2025
Even if Saban’s remarks may not make Saturday night any less painful, they serve as a reminder that confidence takes time to regain. DeBoer took on one of the most difficult tasks in sports history: replacing an icon, even though fans might not want to hear it.
Underwhelming First Season, Aiming to Get Back on Track After Loss to Florida State
DeBoer’s first season ended with a 9-4 record and a bowl loss to Michigan, a respectable year by most standards, but in Tuscaloosa, it felt like a step back. Now, after a humbling defeat to an unranked opponent, the margin for error is razor-thin.
Alabama’s next game against Louisiana-Monroe won’t grab headlines, but it might be the most important of DeBoer’s recent tenure. The Tide doesn’t just need a win; they need a statement, a reminder to their fans, players, and themselves that the standard in Tuscaloosa hasn’t disappeared.
Saban established a dynasty that might never be equaled. Although he doesn’t have to be Saban, DeBoer must figure out how to win back faith. There is yet hope thanks to the support of his former mentor, even though the hot seat is already on fire.
