Paul Finebaum ‘not that impressed’ by Kalen DeBoer in first year at Alabama

Count SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum among the growing number of Kalen DeBoer skeptics as Alabama appears to have taken a step back in its first year under the coach. With two conference losses already, the Crimson Tide are essentially out of the discussion for an SEC Championship after having won three of the last four.

Alabama became used to being a perennial contender for not only the SEC title, but the national championship as well for the previous 17 years under Nick Saban. But with Saban having retired this offseason, Finebaum questions where the future is heading under DeBoer.

“I’m pretty surprised because the DeBoer transition was seamless outside of the first day or two when he lost a couple of players,” he said in an appearance on the Andy and Ari podcast. “He’s a good coach, but I don’t think he’s commanded the stage very well. I’ve been to Alabama twice in about two weeks now and there’s a level of impatience with him. Some of it’s natural. It’s post-Saban.

“But his demeanor on the sidelines bugs people. His lack of discipline, some of the things that he says and does, his coaching staff has not worn well.”

Paul Finebaum on Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer:

"He hasn't commanded the stage very well… His demeanor on the sidelines bugs people, his lack of discipline, some of the things that he says and does…

It's really going to come down to next week." pic.twitter.com/O2zZGKSbSG

— On3 (@On3sports) October 31, 2024

DeBoer came to Alabama on the heels of great success in his two season as the coach at Washington. He led the Huskies to a 25-3 record in that span and finished as national runner up in 2023 before taking the Crimson Tide job.

That track record provides hope that Alabama can still have a bright future under DeBoer. After all, both of the losses this season have come by less than a touchdown, but the struggles of the offense and quarterback Jalen Milroe of late are cause for concern.

Alabama is set to face LSU on Saturday, and Finebaum believes that will decide what the narrative on DeBoer is after this season. He’ll need to win that game to change the analyst’s opinion of him.

“It’s really going to come down to next week,” Finebaum said. “Should he lose to LSU, that game will determine what we say about him in the offseason. I am not that impressed so far.”

Kickoff between the Crimson Tide and Tigers is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.