Kalen DeBoer’s first season at Alabama hasn’t lived up to the high expectations many had. After guiding Washington to a national championship appearance, DeBoer was viewed as a fresh start for the Crimson Tide following Nick Saban’s legendary run. However, the team now appears to be struggling with its identity, and discipline has become a growing concern.
Once known for its toughness and focus, Alabama football now seems adrift. Recent controversies have only heightened concerns about DeBoer’s leadership.
One incident involved freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams, who drew attention for painting his fingernails orange—a color tied to Tennessee—after a loss to the Volunteers. Though Williams explained it was to support his younger sister, the act raised eyebrows among Alabama fans.
While this may be the viral story of the moment, it’s far from DeBoer’s biggest problem.
Ryan Williams sporting the orange nails just day after Alabama’s loss to Tennessee.
Nick Saban’s decision to walk away from Tuscaloosa makes more sense by the day. pic.twitter.com/v4qYRIwGDR
— SEC Unfiltered (@SECUnfiltered) October 23, 2024
Former Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron has been outspoken about the shift in the program’s culture, criticizing players for prioritizing social media and NIL deals over their on-field performance. McCarron, who has firsthand experience with what it takes to win championships at Alabama, believes this cultural shift is at the core of the Tide’s current struggles. While building personal brands might be acceptable elsewhere, he says it doesn’t align with the Alabama way.
“I don’t think you’ll see the same standard from discipline, just things that the team seems to do,” McCarron said. “It’s a new day and age. Everybody’s worried about f—ing Tik Tok and having a reel and being on highlights for their personal self and personal gain, and how much money they can get from NIL.”
The discipline issues are even more apparent on the field. In a recent loss to Tennessee, two wide receivers were seen pretending to take jump shots during a crucial fourth-and-one play. When asked about the incident, the coaching staff’s vague response—that they were coaching everything on the field—only added to fans’ frustration. What was once a disciplined, elite program now seems disjointed, even drawing ridicule from rival fanbases.
Fans who initially supported Kalen DeBoer’s coaching tenure are now openly questioning his leadership. Many believe Alabama has lost the identity that made them a perennial powerhouse. Under Saban, the Tide were known for their focus, discipline, and being feared nationwide. Now, despite the team’s abundant talent, something seems to be missing.
With a tough slate of games against Missouri, LSU, and Auburn looming, the pressure on DeBoer is intensifying. If Alabama’s performance doesn’t improve soon, DeBoer’s future with the program could be in jeopardy. The Tide, a team synonymous with dominance, is now in uncharted territory, where winning is no longer a guarantee.
In Tuscaloosa, expectations are always sky-high. But under DeBoer, those expectations have come crashing down. Alabama fans are accustomed to relentless effort and disciplined football, and they’re not seeing it this season. If the team doesn’t find its footing soon, calls for change will only grow louder.
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