Paul Finebaum, the prominent SEC Network analyst, believes Alabama’s coach, Kalen DeBoer, is now firmly on a “scorching hot seat,” a position he expects to only worsen. This assessment follows Alabama’s disappointing 9-4 season, which resulted in missing the College Football Playoff. Finebaum, during a recent appearance on the Matt Barrie Show, emphasized the intense pressure DeBoer now faces. He explained that the expectation was a playoff berth, and the failure to achieve this constitutes a significant setback. Even a victory in a bowl game against a weak opponent – a description Finebaum applied to Michigan, except for one game – would have lessened the pressure; however, Alabama’s loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl only exacerbated the situation.
The Crimson Tide’s 19-13 defeat, marred by five sacks of quarterback Jalen Milroe and three turnovers, left a lasting negative impression. Finebaum described the loss as “horrifying to watch,” emphasizing the rapid dissipation of any goodwill DeBoer had accumulated. He went on to describe a fanbase deeply discontent with DeBoer’s performance, declaring the coach highly unpopular in the current climate.
Finebaum issued a stark warning to DeBoer: “Kalen DeBoer needs to be very careful. If he doesn’t make the playoffs next year, the target on his back will be immense.” The pressure, according to Finebaum, is immense and only set to intensify unless DeBoer delivers significantly improved results next season.