CFB reporter says Alabama players haven’t ‘consistently responded’ to Kalen DeBoer’s coaching
By Jyesha Nance
Published:
Alabama’s unexpected 31-17 loss last Saturday is still being talked about and raising concern. The Crimson Tide couldn’t find their rhythm offensively or defensively against Florida State, and failed to execute the playbook of second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer.
When Nick Saban announced his retirement on Jan. 10, 2024, it was without a doubt his replacement would have big shoes to fill and arguably one of the hardest jobs in college football. Saban’s 17-year career was illustrious. His résumé and success were always going to make it difficult for any coach to come behind him.
After going 9-4 in his first season at Alabama and then losing a season-opener for the first time since 2001, many have questioned why Alabama looks disjointed and what is happening in Tuscaloosa.
On Friday, On3’s Chris Low weighed in on DeBoer and the battle he faces.
“Kalen has taken on the toughest replacement job in college football,” said Low during an appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. “I don’t know anybody that knows him — who has coached with him, who has coached against him, who’s played for him — who thinks this guy is somehow not up to this challenge. He’s smart. He’s won everywhere he’s been, but this is a different animal at Alabama.
“And when you have the kind of inconsistency that they’ve shown and play the way that they have, or really, probably more accurately, don’t do some of the things that they’ve not done in the last 10 games. You’re going to open the door to this kind of thing. And I think that’s where we are right now.”
Alabama was among the favorites to make the College Football Playoff entering the season, but things have shifted quickly after just one week. Low listed one thing that stands out to him above everything else as a potential factor that could keep Alabama on the outside looking in for a second straight year.
“I still think they’re good enough and talented enough to turn this thing around and be a team that’s a Playoff team and be a team that’s there in the conversation in November, but some things have got to change,” Low said. “It’s got to translate onto the field. … I think this is the fairest criticism of all: The players, the team just haven’t consistently responded to Kalen and his staff, and I don’t know why.”
The Crimson Tide will look to get back in the swing of things on Saturday against UL Monroe. Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. ET on ESPN.
