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Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer could be in trouble. The latest whispers out of Tuscaloosa suggest boosters are in panic mode following a season opening loss to Florida State.
Speculation on job security looms with Crimson Tide donors supposedly ready to fund his buyout. DeBoer didn’t provide much confidence when responding to the situation.
DeBoer’s first year in T-Town was up and down. Alabama downed the likes of Georgia and LSU. They also fell as heavy favorites to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.
Despite the rocky start, there was anticipation surrounding the 2025 campaign. Many predicted the Crimson Tide would rebound to become a national title favorite. That excitement was quickly deflated in Week 1.
Alabama boosters are preparing to fire the football coach.
Reports this week suggest donors are growing antsy after a shocking 31-17 upset at the hands of the Seminoles. Some have gone as far as to name potential replacements.
Former NFL running back Maurice Clarett said the following on the situation after the loss:
“It’s my personal opinion that if Kalen DeBoer continues to struggle down in Tuscaloosa and that if it became known that John Gruden was interested in coaching at Bama that they’d happily pay that buyout of $70 million and bring Gruden in.”
-Maurice Clarett
The coach has been the target of heavy criticism, not just for the setback, but also for his players’ supposed lack of effort. DeBoer minimized the issue after the fact.
Performance has been underwhelming to this point. Alabama is just 6-5 over its last 11 games vs. Power 4 opponents. They’ve now lost three of their last four games.
For a program used to winning, the result is unacceptable.
“We’re spoiled, always have been. But when we put a team out there that looks uninspired like we have far too many times these past two years and lose to teams that we’re clearly more talented than, that’s when it becomes a problem… and not just a bunch of spoiled fans griping.”
-High level Crimson Tide booster
Donors are seemingly ready to raise the $70 million buyout funds if it means saving the football program.
Kalen DeBoer responded to the concern.
He attempted to offer a sense of reassurance. His answer missed the mark.
“My message is that our team is – I think we’ve got a good football team,” the coach said. “We can do some big things still this year. We’ve gotta prove it… To this point, it’s been just me being able to focus on football and I appreciate that.”
Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer responds to a report about there being “growing concern among boosters about the direction of the program.” pic.twitter.com/FAychQFvCO
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) September 3, 2025
DeBoer intended to ease the minds of Alabama football fans. He failed to do so.
The even-keel demeanor presents a stark contrast to the fiery Nick Saban. The fanbase wants to see some passion following his fourth loss to an unranked foe. DeBoer is too nice!
He’ll get an opportunity to reset against Louisiana-Monroe before facing Wisconsin and Georgia to end September.