Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Alabama’s head coach didn’t go as planned. With a 9-4 record and no playoff appearance, the pressure is already mounting. He doesn’t need reminders — but fate has a way of making things interesting.
Recently, DeBoer visited Washington, D.C., with Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne, university president Stuart R. Bell, and several student-athletes. They were there to participate in “College Sports Day” and advocate for a national NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policy. Everything seemed routine — until they ran into a familiar face in an unexpected role.
Enjoyed meeting with President Bell, Coach DeBoer, AD Byrne, and student-athletes from @UA_Athletics today to recap their excellent seasons and look ahead to the 2025-26 year.
Glad to be on the same team in rooting for our state’s educational success, but I did enjoy showing… pic.twitter.com/KhC4Ilo9FC
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) April 9, 2025
That host? U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville — the former Auburn head coach who built his career beating Alabama. Now a politician, Tuberville welcomed the Alabama group into his Capitol Hill office. On April 9, he even shared a photo on social media, acknowledging their visit and adding a cheeky jab. He wrote about meeting the Alabama delegation and looking ahead to the next sports season, but couldn’t resist pointing out a painting in his office — featuring scenes from his Auburn coaching days. Clearly, his Auburn pride is still alive.
This isn’t the first time Tuberville has taken shots at DeBoer. After Alabama’s high-scoring win over Georgia last season, Tuberville made headlines by critiquing the Tide’s performance. He said Alabama looked unbeatable in the first half, only to lose control in the second. That comment drew attention, as did his continued remarks about college sports.
In November 2024, Tuberville also addressed NIL contracts during a talk at the Monday Morning Quarterback Club. He argued that student-athletes should face penalties for breaking NIL agreements. While claiming he supports athletes earning money, he said contracts need consequences if players break them. That raised eyebrows among those familiar with NIL deals, as most contracts already include clauses that end payments if players stop delivering — through transfers or underperformance. It’s a legal area, similar to coaching buyouts, such as the $12 million Alabama paid Washington when DeBoer joined.
Despite Tuberville’s jabs and his Auburn nostalgia, DeBoer and Alabama’s leadership team have remained focused and calm. While the rivalry between Auburn and Alabama may have left the football field, it’s clearly alive and well — just playing out in the halls of Congress now.