The stakes in Tuscaloosa have reached a boiling point. As Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer prepares the No. 9 Crimson Tide for a season-defining trip to Norman, the pressure extends beyond advancing in the College Football Playoff. Facing the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners feels daunting, especially after they derailed the Crimson Tide’s season in Tuscaloosa last month, but the noise surrounding the program has turned deafening.
Off the field, the coaching carousel has spun DeBoer right into the spotlight. DeBoer’s name popped up again in connection with the Michigan vacancy following the Wolverines’ decision to fire coach Sherrone Moore with cause on Wednesday. Now, DeBoer faces a critical test that could dictate his future.
Why Did a Former Alabama Star Put Kalen DeBoer on the Hot Seat?
Former Alabama running back Damien Harris didn’t hold back when assessing the current state of the program. After finding himself in the crosshairs of Crimson Tide fans earlier this week for suggesting DeBoer’s team didn’t belong in the 12-team playoff field, he doubled down on his criticism.
On Saturday, during an appearance on CBS Sports, Harris turned up the heat on the head coach, implying that a loss in the first-round matchup against the Sooners could have major consequences.
“I think his job is on the line with this game, and I think that there’s a lot of reasons why,” Harris said. “I know we’re talking about we need to give coaches time, but when we’re talking about Alabama and the legacy that needs to be set, Kalen DeBoer needs to put his own DNA on that.
“I think Kalen DeBoer’s job, it’ll be in a little bit of jeopardy going into next season if they don’t win this football game.”
Coming from a player who won two national championships under Nick Saban between 2015 and 2018, these comments carry significant weight regarding the program’s lofty standards.
Could DeBoer Leave for Michigan if Alabama Loses?
The upcoming showdown with Oklahoma looms as perhaps the most significant moment of DeBoer’s short tenure. During Friday’s segment of the ‘Get Up” show, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum fueled the speculation, predicting that DeBoer might explore the Michigan opening if the Tide stumbles in Norman.
“Kalen DeBoer’s people are putting out the feelers of the word that he’s not interested, but that’s to be understood. We are one week away from one of the most important games of his two-year tenure,” Finebaum said. “Originally, the Auburn game was, because, had he lost the Auburn game, he’d be out of the playoff and he’d probably be looking for an exit.”
“Alabama lost to Oklahoma late in the season. And this, by the way, would be the third loss to Oklahoma, assuming that happens a week from tonight, in two seasons. That just is not acceptable.”
DeBoer made history as the first SEC coach to win four consecutive games against ranked teams in successive weeks, but recent losses to Oklahoma and Georgia have polarized the fanbase.
Despite the pessimism clouding the program, the numbers suggest there’s still a path forward. According to PFSN’s College Football Playoff Meter, the Crimson Tide has a slim 9.87% chance of making the national championship game on Jan. 19.
