Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer Vows Tide Can Rebound Despite Recent Struggles
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer asserted Wednesday that his team remains capable of achieving significant success this season, despite a recent string of setbacks including a loss too Florida State and a concerning trend of defeats as heavy favorites. The statement comes after the Crimson Tide’s 27-21 loss to the Seminoles, their fifth defeat in the last 10 games under DeBoer, who replaced legendary coach nick Saban in January 2024.
“My message is that our team is, I think we have a good football team that can do some big things still this year,” DeBoer said during the SEC coaches teleconference. “we’ve got to prove it. We’ve got to go do it.” The loss to Florida State ended Alabama’s 23-game winning streak in season openers and marked the first time the Tide had lost more than three games in a season since Saban’s inaugural 2007 campaign, which finished 7-6.
DeBoer, 50, is navigating a challenging start to his tenure at Alabama. In his first season, the Tide have already suffered four losses when favored by double-digits – a stark contrast to the sustained dominance under Saban. The program’s recent struggles have resulted in a significant drop in the AP Top 25, falling from No. 8 to No. 21, their lowest ranking since the 2008 preseason poll.
Despite the criticism, DeBoer emphasized his ability to remain focused on football. “To this point, it’s been just me being able to focus on football, and I appreciate that,” he stated.
Alabama will be without starting defensive lineman Tim Keenan III (ankle) and tailback Jam Miller (collarbone) for Saturday’s home game against Louisiana-monroe. Sophomore receiver Ryan Williams is also questionable due to a concussion. Miller, the Tide’s leading rusher in 2024 with 668 yards and seven touchdowns, could possibly return for the September 13th game against Wisconsin.DeBoer reported Keenan is “doing really well” and his injury is not expected to be long-term.
