Desmond Howard reveals multiple reasons Alabama could struggle in Year 1 under Kalen DeBoer

Alabama has a new-look team and coaching staff ahead of the 2024 season after Nick Saban retired and was replaced by Kalen DeBoer this offseason.

ESPN analyst Desmond Howard believes the Crimson Tide could take a step back in Year 1 with DeBoer leading the way.

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Howard revealed on ESPN First Take on Friday that he is concerned about DeBoer adjusting to life in the SEC.

“The fact of the matter is Kalen DeBoer is a hell of a coach, fantastic coach, but this is uncharted waters, even for him,” Desmond Howard said. “Now going into the SEC, he’s going to have to get his guys up every single week with challenges that he’s never had to face at any level in which he’s coached, even when he was out there in the Pac-12.”

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Kalen DeBoer has been successful everywhere he has been, from Sioux Falls to Fresno State to most recently Washington.

DeBoer’s Washington squad won the Pac-12 last year, and Howard admits that the conference was really good. But the SEC is still a level up in competition from the Pac-12, according to Howard.

“I mean I’ve gotta give credit where credit’s due. The Pac-12 was one of the most competitive conferences last season,” Howard said. “But with that being said, they’re still not the SEC. … It’s going to take a while for Kalen DeBoer and his staff to get used to that.”

The depth of the SEC is what makes it stand out, according to Howard. Sure there are some games that are easier than others. But overall you have to bring it pretty much every week in the SEC.

The SEC has nine teams ranked inside the top 20, including seven in the top 16. All of those teams, and everyone in the league, will want a shot at Alabama after the Crimson Tide controlled the conference for years under Nick Saban.

That could be tough for Kalen DeBoer to try to navigate.

“It’s just a rough road every week, no matter who the opponent is,” Howard said. “Because don’t forget, now you have that bullseye on your back. Because you’re still Alabama. You’re going to get everyone’s best shot. But they also think now they have a chance, they have a shot, because Nick Saban isn’t the head coach anymore. And this is our opportunity to knock off Alabama.”

Alabama opens the 2024 season on Saturday against Western Kentucky. The SEC opener for the Crimson Tide will be Sept. 28 against Georgia.