Kalen DeBoer will be one of the few elite coaches to be in the hot seat in the 2026 season. That scrutiny isn’t due to poor results in Tuscaloosa, but rather the sky-high expectations of Alabama fans shaped by Nick Saban’s legendary success with the program.
DeBoer has already implemented several offseason adjustments aimed at setting the stage for a strong 2026 season, including making changes in the coaching staff.
Kalen DeBoer Shares His Honest Take On Big Offseason Move
Alabama football will have a new offensive line coach in 2026 after parting ways with Chris Kapilovic. Kapilovic joined the Crimson Tide after three seasons coaching the offensive line at Michigan State, with additional stints at Colorado and seven years at North Carolina.
While speaking with reporters on Wednesday at the Senior Bowl, DeBoer explained the decision to move on from Kapilovic.
“It’s about production,” DeBoer said. “We know we gotta be better there, mindset and just execution, the details of the fundamentals that the guys need. A lot of new faces that are gonna be in that room. So, kind of a fresh start there.”
Kapilovic was hired in March 2024 on a two-year contract, earning $875,000 in 2024 and $925,000 in 2025, for a total of $1.8 million. Despite his long coaching career dating back to 2001, his offensive line struggled during his two seasons at Alabama.
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In 2025, the team averaged only 104.1 rushing yards per game and allowed 32 sacks. Quarterback Ty Simpson was sacked 28 times behind Kapilovic’s line, as Alabama finished the season with a B- grade and an 81.7 rating in the PFSN College Football Offense Impact Metric, ranking 30th nationally.
For 2026, only offensive lineman Michael Carroll is returning with starting experience, and DeBoer knows the urgency to improve the position group.
“That’s definitely going to be a position group that generates a lot of our attention,” DeBoer said. “Whether it’s mine, whether it’s Ryan Grubb’s, just the coaching staff in general that works with the offensive line. We all have got to help our coaches learn the system quickly, but there’s enough continuity. There’s enough of us that can help these new guys come in and hit the ground running.”
While DeBoer is being vocal about Alabama’s outlook in 2026, one of his moments in the Senior Bowl won hearts. While giving interviews, Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III approached and hugged DeBoer from behind. DeBoer smiled and returned the hug before Keenan left the field. Even if some fans aren’t fans of DeBoer, it is clear he has strong support from his players.
DeBoer is having a busy offseason, traveling extensively as Alabama extends multiple new offers to recruits. A major junior day is scheduled for this weekend, with several 5-star prospects still considering Alabama. DeBoer previously signed five-star Keelon Russell in the 2025 class and added another five-star Jett Thomalla to the 2026 class.
