This week has been tumultuous for college football fans, particularly those who support Alabama. The release of the first-ever 12-team playoff bracket brought immediate chaos and unexpected outcomes. For the first time in over a decade, Alabama—a team synonymous with dominance—found itself excluded from the playoff conversation.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer, tasked with filling the massive shoes left by Nick Saban, made an impassioned case for Alabama’s inclusion, emphasizing their challenging schedule. DeBoer questioned why a team like SMU, which faced a softer schedule, was chosen over the Crimson Tide. However, the response from the CFP committee was straightforward: win your games. Losses to Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee painted a stark picture of Alabama’s struggles this season and proved too significant to overlook.
Kalen DeBoer with AD Greg Byrne at the game tonight.
Great conversations during timeouts #Alabama @AlabamaFTBL pic.twitter.com/n5ORNeGW0U— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) December 15, 2024
As if the playoff snub weren’t enough, DeBoer found himself at the center of controversy when he attended an Alabama basketball game alongside Greg Byrne, Alabama’s athletic director. Photos of the two, shared by “The Next Round” on social media, fueled frustration among fans. While the post simply highlighted their presence at the game, it ignited anger among Tide supporters, who viewed DeBoer’s attendance as a sign of misplaced priorities.
For Alabama fans, DeBoer’s relaxed approach is a bitter pill to swallow. The team’s 9-3 record is more than a disappointment; it’s a wake-up call. Many fans believe the playoff exclusion reflects deeper issues within the program. Critics have started drawing comparisons between DeBoer and Mike Shula, a former Alabama coach who also struggled to meet expectations. DeBoer’s success at Washington may have demonstrated his abilities, but adapting to the high-pressure SEC environment has proven to be an uphill battle.
Adding to the tension, Alabama faces numerous uncertainties heading into the offseason. Key players like Jehiem Oatis, Caleb Odom, and quarterback Jalen Milroe are likely to depart, creating significant gaps in the roster. Milroe, expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, leaves a particularly concerning void at quarterback. So far, DeBoer has yet to show he can recruit or develop a player capable of filling Milroe’s shoes.
Social media reactions have been sharp, with fans openly questioning DeBoer’s dedication. Some criticized his appearance at the basketball game, arguing that he should focus on recruiting and planning for the next season. Memes and sarcastic comments flooded the internet, with one user jokingly suggesting Byrne was “not buying what DeBoer is selling.” Fans’ frustrations reflect a growing concern about DeBoer’s ability to handle the immense pressure of leading Alabama back to its former glory.
Moving forward, DeBoer’s performance will be closely scrutinized. His approach to the transfer portal, recruiting strategy, and ability to develop a cohesive team will determine whether he can win back the faith of Alabama’s restless supporters. As it stands, many fans remain unconvinced, labeling him “not SEC-ready” and calling for immediate changes.
The upcoming offseason will be critical for DeBoer. The Alabama faithful demand not just improvement but a return to the pinnacle of college football. While the road ahead is challenging, DeBoer has an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and rebuild the Tide’s dominance. Until then, the pressure from fans and critics alike will remain unrelenting.