Paul Finebaum believes Alabama fans are 'overvaluing' Kalen DeBoer

There’s no denying that first-year Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has an impressive resume. With that said, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum isn’t sold on DeBoer being ready to handle the pressure that comes with being the top guy in Tuscaloosa.

From Sioux Falls, to Fresno State, to Washington, DeBoer has won everywhere he has been. However, according to Finebaum, Alabama is a different animal. Finebaum recently spoke on GoJo and Golic about how Alabama fans view DeBoer.

“I don’t want to sound like a Wall Street analyst, but I think they’re overvaluing him a little bit,” Finebaum said of Alabama fans. “And it’s nothing against him. I’ll spare you guys the resume. Everyone knows that it’s impeccable.

“But it’s a little bit like back in the day, maybe not quite as much now, but a Notre Dame loss on a Monday and the whole country is beside itself. It’s the same way at Alabama, except it’s a little more current because of Saban having just left. And I don’t think Kalen DeBoer’s prepared for that.”

Finebaum doesn’t necessarily have questions about Kalen DeBoer as a head coach, but he does wonder if he’s ready to handle the backlash he will receive from Crimson Tide fans, particularly if Alabama has an early loss or two.

“I don’t care how many wins he’s had, a Monday at Alabama after an unexpected loss – now I’m not saying losing to Georgia, which wouldn’t be a shock,” Finebaum said. “But let’s say they got upset at Madison the third week of the season, I mean I’ve seen this, I’ve made a career out of this. … And nobody shows mercy. And where I’m sitting right now would probably be the toughest place for his family to tune in to.”

Nick Saban won six national titles during his final 15 seasons at Alabama and made the College Football Playoff several other times, including last season.

Kalen DeBoer doesn’t need to win the national title in Year 1, but Finebaum does believe he needs to reach the CFP, especially with it expanding to 12 teams.

If not, the pressure on DeBoer will only intensify.

“I know that [the pressure] may not translate directly to his football team, but there is a trickle down effect, especially, let’s say he lost to Wisconsin and loses to Georgia two weeks later. He’s out of mulligans, and the margin of error, getting into the playoff and out of the playoff, is evaporated,” Finebaum explained. “And quite frankly, I don’t think fans expect a championship this year, but they certainly expect a playoff appearance.”