“I think he underachieved”: Former college athlete shares why Kalen Deboer needs to be held to a higher standard in Alabama

In the high-pressure world of college football, few programs are as storied, competitive, and scrutinized as the Alabama Crimson Tide. Under the leadership of Nick Saban, Alabama has solidified itself as the gold standard of college football, with a legacy of national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and a pipeline of NFL talent. The program’s unrelenting pursuit of excellence has set the bar extraordinarily high—not only for the players but for its coaching staff as well.

With Alabama football always in the national spotlight, every decision, every hire, and every performance is analyzed from every angle. One of the most notable figures to come into focus recently is Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s newly appointed offensive coordinator. DeBoer, known for his successful stint at Washington and his time as head coach at Fresno State, joined the Crimson Tide to help elevate its offense. However, despite his reputation and success at previous stops, some former college athletes believe that DeBoer hasn’t yet lived up to the expectations placed upon him, and they are calling for him to be held to a higher standard in the storied tradition of Alabama football.

In this article, we’ll examine why DeBoer is facing criticism from former college athletes, what aspects of his career may have led to the perception that he’s underachieved, and why he needs to be held to a higher standard in Alabama’s cutthroat football environment.

Kalen DeBoer’s Career and Coaching Background

Before discussing the criticism and challenges facing Kalen DeBoer, it’s important to understand his background and what led to his hiring by Alabama. DeBoer, a former quarterback and offensive coach, began his coaching career in the lower ranks before rising to prominence as a head coach at Fresno State. There, he gained national attention for revitalizing the program, leading Fresno State to back-to-back Mountain West Conference championships and several bowl game appearances. His offensive schemes were noted for being high-paced, innovative, and dynamic.

DeBoer’s next big opportunity came when he was hired as the head coach at Washington. There, he inherited a program with significant talent and expectations to compete at a national level. Under DeBoer’s leadership, Washington had success, particularly on offense. He helped develop a potent passing attack led by quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr., who went on to be one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country.

While DeBoer enjoyed success at both Fresno State and Washington, his time at the helm in the Pac-12 was not without its bumps. At times, his teams struggled against some of the top-tier competition in college football. These inconsistencies have become a focal point of the criticism that former college athletes are now using as the foundation for why he has underachieved at Alabama—where expectations are sky-high.

The Alabama Standard: Expectations and Pressure

For a coach to succeed at Alabama, they must not only have a deep knowledge of the game but also the ability to handle the immense pressure that comes with the job. Alabama is not just another football program; it is a living legacy. Under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide has won six national championships since 2009, and the program’s success has made it synonymous with college football excellence.

As a result, every new hire at Alabama—especially in the coaching ranks—must contend with the immense weight of expectations. These expectations go beyond just winning football games; they extend to developing elite players, maintaining a high level of success in both recruiting and game preparation, and adapting to changing trends in the game. Coaches at Alabama are expected to not only keep up with this but to continuously improve and innovate.

DeBoer’s hiring was seen as a critical step in taking Alabama’s offense to the next level. Saban, who has built a reputation as a defensive mastermind, acknowledged the importance of evolving the offensive side of the ball in the current college football landscape. DeBoer was brought in to modernize Alabama’s offense, making it more dynamic and effective against the elite defenses the team faces in the SEC.

However, for many former college athletes and analysts, DeBoer’s performance so far at Alabama doesn’t seem to meet these lofty expectations. And with Alabama football constantly competing at the highest level, they feel that the standard for DeBoer should be set even higher than it might be for coaches at other programs.

The Criticism: “I Think He Underachieved”

Former college athletes, especially those who have played at elite programs or have witnessed firsthand the pressures of coaching at Alabama, have voiced their concerns about DeBoer’s ability to handle the job. One such athlete, a former SEC player who requested anonymity, stated, “I think he underachieved at Washington, and I’m not convinced that he’s going to take Alabama to the next level. At Alabama, you’re expected to be more than just good. You’re expected to be great, and right now, I don’t see that from him.”

For many, the criticism centers around DeBoer’s ability to elevate a program with the expectations of Alabama. While his offensive schemes at Washington were productive, they sometimes lacked consistency in big games against top-tier competition. In the context of Alabama, where the program is routinely matched up against the SEC’s elite teams like Georgia, LSU, and Alabama’s annual rival, Auburn, consistency and innovation are paramount.

Critics argue that DeBoer’s teams at Washington, while successful, failed to perform consistently when it mattered most—especially in marquee games. In 2022, Washington had a disappointing loss to Oregon, a team that was seen as a direct rival for a spot in the College Football Playoff. DeBoer’s teams seemed to fall short in moments when they needed to show up. This inconsistency, some argue, is an indicator that DeBoer might not be prepared for the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with coaching at Alabama, where there is no room for failure, especially in games against rivals and in postseason competition.

Alabama has a long history of success, and coaches are held to extremely high standards—particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Offensive play calling, quarterback development, and the ability to adjust to in-game situations are paramount in keeping up with the rest of the nation’s elite programs. Some former players believe that DeBoer’s record at Washington, combined with his more conservative approach to offensive innovation in crucial moments, hasn’t been enough to justify the faith that Alabama has placed in him.

Why Kalen DeBoer Must Be Held to a Higher Standard

Alabama football is not just any program. Its legacy demands that every new coach be held to the highest standard, and Kalen DeBoer is no exception. The expectations at Alabama are immense, and there is little room for error. From the players to the coaches, everyone is expected to perform at the highest level year in and year out. That’s why DeBoer’s every move is under intense scrutiny.

The key reasons why DeBoer should be held to a higher standard in Alabama include:

1. The Legacy of Nick Saban

Nick Saban has set the bar for coaching excellence at Alabama. Under his leadership, the program has become a dynasty, with players and coaches alike constantly striving for greatness. Saban has created a culture of success, and any new coach, especially on the offensive side of the ball, is expected to uphold that standard.

2. The National Championship Window

At Alabama, the window to win a National Championship is always open. The program consistently recruits some of the best talent in the country, meaning the team is always expected to compete for titles. DeBoer has been tasked with modernizing the offense, which is essential for the team’s continued success. If he fails to do so, it could jeopardize the Crimson Tide’s ability to compete at the highest level in the SEC and nationally.

3. High Expectations for Offensive Innovation

While Alabama’s defense has been historically dominant, the offense has been slow to evolve at times. Saban recognized this and brought in DeBoer to bring more dynamism and creativity to the offense. Fans and former players alike expect DeBoer to quickly implement an offensive scheme that can compete against high-octane offenses from other elite teams.

4. The Pressure of Alabama Football

Simply put, Alabama football is a pressure cooker. Every season is viewed as a potential National Championship run. Any coach coming to Alabama must be prepared to deal with this pressure, and DeBoer is no exception. If he can’t meet these expectations, it could be seen as a failure in a program where mediocrity is not tolerated.