Paul Finebaum remains critical of Alabama’s performance and head coach Kalen DeBoer following their ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan. A week after declaring DeBoer’s seat “scorching hot,” Finebaum doubled down on his assessment during a Monday appearance on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning.” He argued that the defeat, marked by five sacks and three turnovers by Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, was a disastrous end to the season. Finebaum highlighted the ineffectiveness of the Alabama offense, characterizing the loss as “inept” and a performance that will linger.
While acknowledging that DeBoer’s job isn’t in immediate jeopardy, Finebaum insists the coach is under intense scrutiny. He considers DeBoer’s first season a failure due to the team’s inability to reach the College Football Playoff. The analyst pointed out that although a victory against Michigan wouldn’t have garnered significant praise given the opponent, a win would have provided valuable momentum and a positive foundation for the offseason. Instead, the loss, according to Finebaum, complicates the team’s path forward and casts a long shadow over the program. The underwhelming performance, he concludes, leaves DeBoer facing heightened expectations and close observation heading into the next season.