During an interview, an iconic coach offered a strong opinion regarding Alabama’s struggles and, in particular, their head coach, Kalen DeBoer. While the axiom of coaching being a fraternity does hold water, so does the notion that the sharpest opinion is often another coach.
They are someone who stood on the sidelines and knew the intricacies of the position. Regardless of era, many aspects of the position remain similar throughout the years.
Did Lou Holtz Assert That Alabama’s Time of Dominance Just Ended?
DeBoer’s five losses in his first 14 games at the helm of the University of Alabama’s football team raised red flags all over the sport. Long believed to be the modern example of gridiron excellence, the Tide built a metaphorical machine under Nick Saban.
Criticism descended upon the program after a 31-17 loss to Florida State. Holtz, a College Football Hall of Fame member, joined host Dan Dakich for a sit-down. Holtz discusses the Florida State loss and what he believes is the current state of Alabama football.
Legendary CFB Coach Lou Holtz on Alabama and Kalen DeBoer:
“All things come to an end. All dynasties come to an end. I think Alabama’s dynasty is over now.”@dandakich @CoachLouHoltz88 pic.twitter.com/pkgPg6XtVl
— OutKick (@Outkick) September 3, 2025
“I was very disappointed. They didn’t play harder. They didn’t play physically. Gus Malzahn (FSU offensive coordinator) did a tremendous job running the football. And they just dominated Alabama. Didn’t think it would happen. All things come to an end. All dynasties come to an end. I think Alabama’s dynasty is over now.”
In one respect, Holtz’s opinion appears to hold a great deal of merit. Saban won 87.7% of his games as the head coach in Tuscaloosa. Moreover, the Tide had just one season of four or more losses. In 2007, Saban’s first season, he inherited players from his predecessor, Mike Shula.
That year, Alabama finished 7-6. The following season began a streak of sixteen consecutive seasons with ten or more victories. Plus, Holtz mentioned Malzhan. Despite just a 3-5 record against the Crimson Tide, Malzahn helped author memorable victories against Alabama. For example, the legendary “Kick Six” of 2013. The Tigers ran for 296 yards to keep that game close, which fatigued the opposing defense.
Now, the last part about the end of the dynasty could be genuine, but maybe not for the reasons that Holtz or many others may believe. The college football landscape continues to change. NIL leveled the playing field among the elite.
Granted, that may not help Group of Five schools compete with the Power Four, but the money situation looks like it spreads the talent wide and does not allow for concentration and positional redundancy. Teams can no longer stockpile two starting-quality quarterbacks and a stable of three or four running backs. Another school will likely come in, make substantial offers, and lure the talent away.
In essence, Holtz seems right in this case. The days of Alabama sitting atop the college football world alone look to be over. While not true parity since not every team can afford the best talent, schools like Alabama must now compete with others. Can DeBoer turn things around in time?
