Sports analyst Paul Finebaum recently ignited a firestorm by declaring that Alabama’s new head coach, Kalen DeBoer, has "made a mess" of the opportunity presented by the Crimson Tide.
The Critic's Take
Finebaum pointed to DeBoer’s eight defeats over the past two seasons, emphasizing a particularly stinging loss to Florida State that he labeled "total trash." He argued that the coach’s record, while impressive in other programs, has yet to translate into the expected dominance at Alabama.
In response, the university’s athletic department announced a contract extension that guarantees DeBoer an annual salary of $12.5 million, signaling confidence in his ability to restore the program’s storied tradition.
DeBoer himself has spoken openly about his love for the challenge, citing the school’s rich heritage and the pressure of coaching one of college football’s most iconic teams.
The next test arrives on September 5, when the Crimson Tide open the season against East Carolina, a matchup that will gauge whether the new leadership can convert the backing into on‑field success.