Kalen DeBoer isn’t on the hot seat heading into the 2025 season, but he’s not entirely comfortable either. After replacing legendary coach Nick Saban, DeBoer faced immediate scrutiny from Alabama fans, who are accustomed to championship-level success. While his first season showed promise, the expectations in Tuscaloosa remain sky-high, and anything short of a strong campaign in 2025 could put his job security in question.
### The Pressure of Coaching at Alabama
Alabama fans demand excellence. The program has built a reputation as a perennial contender, and DeBoer inherited a team with high expectations. While his offensive system and recruiting efforts have been praised, the reality is that Alabama’s patience for anything less than dominance is limited. The 2025 schedule presents a significant challenge, with matchups against Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, LSU, Oklahoma, and Auburn [A](https://saturdayblitz.com/how-many-games-must-kalen-deboer-win-to-keep-his-job-at-alabama?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJmY0x5N2tuZHBHSzFzTEtIRk44MWEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQUcydEdNYTFlS3c4S05RMk16QndlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc2F0dXJkYXlibGl0ei5jb21cL2hvdy1tYW55LWdhbWVzLW11c3Qta2FsZW4tZGVib2VyLXdpbi10by1rZWVwLWhpcy1qb2ItYXQtYWxhYmFtYSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). These games will be critical in determining whether DeBoer can maintain stability in his role.
### The Magic Number: How Many Wins Does He Need?
A **10-2 record** would likely guarantee DeBoer’s job security, allowing him to continue building the program for the future [A](https://saturdayblitz.com/how-many-games-must-kalen-deboer-win-to-keep-his-job-at-alabama?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJmY0x5N2tuZHBHSzFzTEtIRk44MWEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQUcydEdNYTFlS3c4S05RMk16QndlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc2F0dXJkYXlibGl0ei5jb21cL2hvdy1tYW55LWdhbWVzLW11c3Qta2FsZW4tZGVib2VyLXdpbi10by1rZWVwLWhpcy1qb2ItYXQtYWxhYmFtYSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Even **9-3**, if the losses are competitive and the team shows progress, would likely keep him safe. However, an **8-4 finish** would raise concerns, as Alabama fans expect double-digit wins and an SEC Championship Game appearance [A](https://saturdayblitz.com/how-many-games-must-kalen-deboer-win-to-keep-his-job-at-alabama?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJmY0x5N2tuZHBHSzFzTEtIRk44MWEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQUcydEdNYTFlS3c4S05RMk16QndlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc2F0dXJkYXlibGl0ei5jb21cL2hvdy1tYW55LWdhbWVzLW11c3Qta2FsZW4tZGVib2VyLXdpbi10by1rZWVwLWhpcy1qb2ItYXQtYWxhYmFtYSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Anything below that—**7-5 or worse**—would put DeBoer in serious trouble, with boosters and fans questioning his ability to lead the program [A](https://saturdayblitz.com/how-many-games-must-kalen-deboer-win-to-keep-his-job-at-alabama?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJmY0x5N2tuZHBHSzFzTEtIRk44MWEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQUcydEdNYTFlS3c4S05RMk16QndlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc2F0dXJkYXlibGl0ei5jb21cL2hvdy1tYW55LWdhbWVzLW11c3Qta2FsZW4tZGVib2VyLXdpbi10by1rZWVwLWhpcy1qb2ItYXQtYWxhYmFtYSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Key Factors in His Success
Several factors will determine whether DeBoer can reach the necessary win total:
– **Quarterback Play:** Alabama’s success often hinges on elite quarterback performance. If the team struggles at the position, it could lead to unexpected losses.
– **Defensive Stability:** The Crimson Tide defense must remain dominant, especially against high-powered offenses like Georgia and LSU.
– **Recruiting and Development:** DeBoer must continue securing top-tier talent and developing players effectively to maintain Alabama’s competitive edge.
### The Road Ahead
While DeBoer has the support of Alabama’s administration for now, the 2025 season will be pivotal in shaping his future. If he can navigate the tough schedule and secure at least nine wins, he’ll likely remain in good standing. However, anything less could lead to serious discussions about his tenure in Tuscaloosa.
Ultimately, DeBoer’s ability to meet Alabama’s lofty expectations will determine whether he remains at the helm or faces the pressure of a coaching change. The upcoming season will be a defining moment in his career, and all eyes will be on how he handles the challenge.
