Here’s a bold statement: calling for Kalen DeBoer’s job after just two seasons at Alabama is not only premature but downright unfair. And this is the part most people miss—the man has already proven he’s a formidable coach, yet critics are quick to dismiss him after a few setbacks. Let’s break it down.
Alabama’s 2025 season didn’t live up to the sky-high expectations fans have grown accustomed to. Sure, they finished the regular season with a solid 10-2 record, but the SEC Championship Game was a humbling 28-7 loss to Georgia. They bounced back with a thrilling 34-24 win over Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff First Round, erasing a 17-0 deficit, only to be dominated by eventual National Champion Indiana in a lopsided 38-3 Rose Bowl loss. Painful? Absolutely. But is it grounds for firing a coach who’s clearly building something? Marty Smith doesn’t think so.
During his appearance on The Next Round podcast, Smith passionately defended DeBoer, labeling him a ‘tremendous’ coach. He didn’t hold back, questioning who Alabama could realistically hire to replace him. ‘To try and run him out the door is completely utterly ridiculous,’ Smith declared. And he’s not wrong. DeBoer didn’t try to mimic Nick Saban’s legacy; instead, he brought his own culture and identity to the program. That alone deserves credit.
But here’s where it gets controversial—while Alabama’s 1-2 postseason record under DeBoer is a sore spot, his overall performance against ranked opponents is impressive. Eight of his 20 wins have come against top-tier teams, including victories over Georgia, LSU, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt. Yet, critics focus solely on the losses, ignoring the context of a rapidly evolving college football landscape. As Smith pointed out, ‘The college football that Nick Saban coached is not the college football Kalen DeBoer is coaching.’
Let’s not forget, it took Saban three seasons to win his first National Championship at Alabama. DeBoer is just two seasons in, and already he’s fielding a competitive, winning team. So, who would replace him? Smith suggests Dan Lanning as the only viable option, but even that’s a stretch. Is it fair to demand perfection from a coach who’s still laying the groundwork?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Are we too quick to judge coaches based on outcomes without considering the context? Shouldn’t we give DeBoer more time to prove himself before calling for his head? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Marty Smith, or is it time for Alabama to move on?
