According to a national commentator, Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer will probably lose his job if he doesn’t do one thing.

Alabama football has been synonymous with success and championships over the years, largely thanks to the leadership of legendary head coach Nick Saban. However, in recent years, as the Alabama football program continues to evolve, questions surrounding the future of the program and its coaching staff have emerged. One of the most talked-about topics involves Kalen DeBoer, the Alabama offensive coordinator, who has come under scrutiny from national commentators and analysts. According to a prominent national commentator, DeBoer could be at risk of losing his job if he doesn’t accomplish one critical goal: improve the performance of Alabama’s offense.

Kalen DeBoer’s Background and Arrival at Alabama

Kalen DeBoer arrived at Alabama with high expectations. Having previously served as the offensive coordinator at Washington, where he turned the Huskies into a potent offensive unit, DeBoer was seen as the perfect fit to help rejuvenate Alabama’s offense. With a reputation for developing quarterbacks, optimizing offensive schemes, and leading high-powered offenses, DeBoer’s hiring was expected to bring a fresh, innovative approach to Alabama’s already successful program.

However, despite his past successes, DeBoer has faced challenges adapting to the unique pressures of being Alabama’s offensive coordinator. While the Crimson Tide have had a history of explosive offensive play, particularly under Saban’s tenure, there have been moments when the offense has underperformed. With a fanbase that holds Alabama to the highest standards of excellence, the pressure on DeBoer to deliver results quickly has been immense.

The criticism surrounding DeBoer has been primarily about his inability to consistently get the most out of Alabama’s quarterbacks and offensive personnel. With a program like Alabama, which recruits at the highest level, failure to deliver an elite offense could spell trouble for a coach, no matter how talented he may be.

The Crucial Task: Improve Offensive Consistency

National commentators and analysts have consistently pointed to one key aspect that Kalen DeBoer must address if he intends to retain his position at Alabama: offensive consistency. Alabama football has long been defined by a balanced and potent offense, mixing a strong rushing attack with explosive passing plays. Under Saban, the program has routinely dominated in recruiting, leading to an influx of elite talent at nearly every position. Yet, despite the talent available, the team has struggled with offensive performance at times, particularly in key matchups against top-tier SEC opponents and in playoff games.

For DeBoer to keep his job, he must ensure that Alabama’s offense operates at a consistently high level throughout the season. This means improving in several key areas: quarterback development, offensive line play, play calling, and overall offensive efficiency. If Alabama continues to struggle on offense, it would not only affect the team’s success in individual games, but it could also hurt the program’s long-term trajectory.

Quarterback Development

One of the most critical areas of focus for DeBoer has been quarterback development. In the past few seasons, Alabama has had a revolving door of quarterbacks, each with varying levels of success. The departure of former star quarterback Bryce Young left a major void, and since then, the Crimson Tide have struggled to find a consistent leader under center. DeBoer’s ability to develop and get the best out of Alabama’s quarterbacks will be a key factor in determining his future with the program.

National commentators have pointed out that DeBoer must work with the quarterbacks to maximize their potential. Whether it’s helping a young quarterback grow into a starter or refining the skills of a more experienced player, it’s essential that the Alabama offense has a leader who can execute under pressure. The SEC is filled with elite defenses, and without a strong, consistent quarterback play, Alabama will not be able to compete for championships.

Many of DeBoer’s critics have argued that the offense has lacked a clear identity since his arrival, particularly when it comes to quarterback play. If DeBoer cannot solidify a consistent and effective quarterback situation, it will be difficult for him to maintain his position as offensive coordinator. Alabama has always been known for producing top-tier quarterbacks, and DeBoer must ensure that trend continues.

Offensive Line Play

Another critical area that has raised concerns about Alabama’s offensive performance is the play of the offensive line. In the past, Alabama’s offensive lines have been among the best in college football, creating holes for the running back and providing ample time for the quarterback to survey the field. However, in recent seasons, there have been noticeable struggles along the offensive line. Poor offensive line play leads to a lack of running lanes, hurried quarterbacks, and disrupted offensive rhythm—issues that Alabama simply cannot afford if it hopes to return to the pinnacle of college football.

DeBoer must work closely with the offensive line coaches to improve the unit’s consistency and execution. In a program like Alabama, where talent is abundant, a well-coached and physical offensive line should be expected. Failure to address these issues could be a major contributing factor to DeBoer’s job insecurity. A more dominant offensive line could open up the run game, giving Alabama’s quarterbacks more time to operate and making the offense more unpredictable and difficult to defend against.

Play Calling and Offensive Scheme

In addition to developing the players, DeBoer’s play calling and offensive scheme will be under scrutiny. Alabama’s offensive scheme has evolved over the years, with a heavier emphasis on the passing game in recent seasons. While the shift toward a pass-heavy offense has had its successes, particularly with quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa and Bryce Young, it has also led to inconsistency, especially when the running game struggles or when faced with elite defensive units.

DeBoer’s ability to find the right balance between running and passing the football will be crucial for the success of Alabama’s offense. Saban’s teams have traditionally excelled at controlling the clock and dominating the line of scrimmage with a strong running game. If DeBoer is unable to bring balance to the offense and craft game plans that maximize the strengths of his players, his future with the team could be in jeopardy.

Furthermore, DeBoer’s play calling must become more consistent in high-pressure situations. During key moments of games, Alabama has struggled with offensive execution, particularly in high-stakes games against SEC rivals. To keep his job, DeBoer will need to demonstrate that he can make adjustments during the game and provide the team with the tools necessary to succeed in crunch time.

High-Pressure Games and Postseason Performance

Alabama has set a high standard for success, and that standard includes competing for SEC championships and national titles on a consistent basis. While the Crimson Tide has been dominant in the regular season, there has been a growing concern over their performance in high-pressure games, particularly during the postseason. For DeBoer, this means that he must get Alabama’s offense clicking in critical moments, including the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.

National commentators have noted that if DeBoer’s offense fails to perform in the postseason, it could significantly impact his future with the program. A disappointing showing in a playoff game or a lack of offensive execution in the SEC Championship could lead to scrutiny and potentially force Alabama to look for a new offensive coordinator. The margin for error in a program as successful as Alabama is incredibly thin, and any underperformance, especially on offense, could have serious consequences for DeBoer’s job security.

What’s at Stake for Kalen DeBoer?

Kalen DeBoer’s future at Alabama hinges on his ability to address these critical issues with the offense. The expectations at Alabama are higher than almost anywhere else in college football, and failure to deliver on those expectations could lead to significant consequences, including the loss of his job. While DeBoer certainly has the talent and experience to succeed at Alabama, he must ensure that his offensive schemes and play calling can keep pace with the elite talent the program attracts each year.

Alabama’s offensive struggles have been a point of concern for several years now, and DeBoer’s tenure as offensive coordinator is closely tied to the team’s ability to turn things around. If he can’t find success in developing quarterbacks, improving offensive line play, and finding the right balance in the offense, it’s likely that the Alabama program will make a change at offensive coordinator.

Ultimately, the pressure is on DeBoer to elevate Alabama’s offense and ensure that it meets the high standards expected by the fanbase, alumni, and coaching staff. The next few seasons will be pivotal for his career and could define whether he remains at Alabama for the long haul or if the Crimson Tide opts to go in a different direction.