Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Alabama’s head coach was a roller coaster of emotions, filled with both thrilling victories and frustrating setbacks. The Crimson Tide climbed as high as the No. 1 ranking after a statement win over Georgia but also suffered unexpected losses to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Michigan, leaving fans with mixed emotions.
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy recently assessed DeBoer’s inaugural season, giving him a B- grade. While recognizing DeBoer’s previous success at Washington, McElroy pointed out Alabama’s inconsistency throughout the season, which resulted in a 9-4 record. He emphasized that the team’s performance fluctuated significantly from game to game, something the coaching staff must address moving forward.
McElroy also noted that Alabama’s struggles with penalties and high expectations played a role in shaping the perception of DeBoer’s first year. He admitted that the season’s disappointing ending, particularly the loss to Michigan, influenced his grading. A victory in that bowl game could have elevated DeBoer’s evaluation.
Despite the ups and downs, Alabama enters 2025 with high hopes of making a return to the College Football Playoff. The defense looks particularly strong, as key upperclassmen—including Deontae Lawson, LT Overton, Tim Keenan III, Jah-Marien Latham, and Domani Jackson—have opted to return instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. With a more experienced roster and a season of adjustments under DeBoer’s leadership, Alabama aims to bounce back stronger in the year ahead.
