Stephen A. Smith Questions DeBoer's Progress at Alabama

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith continues to scrutinize Kalen DeBoer's tenure as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Smith has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with DeBoer's performance, arguing that the team's progress is not meeting expectations. In the 2025 season, DeBoer led Alabama to an 11-4 record, securing a College Football Playoff berth. This included significant wins against ranked opponents like Georgia and Tennessee, although they ultimately lost to Georgia in the SEC championship game. Alabama's playoff journey ended with a loss to eventual champions Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Smith's core argument is that the immense legacy of former coach Nick Saban sets an impossibly high bar for any successor. He suggests that fans and critics often attribute Alabama's past dominance solely to Saban, overlooking the university's inherent strength. Smith has previously suggested that Alabama might consider a more dynamic coach like Deion Sanders if DeBoer's performance does not markedly improve. He points to a 38-3 loss to Indiana in 2025 as an example of a lack of competitive fight, a trait rarely seen under Saban. Smith acknowledges DeBoer's past success, including his time at Washington, but insists that Alabama's standard demands more than just winning seasons; it requires replicating Saban's championship consistency. The article suggests that external factors like NIL and the transfer portal have also contributed to the shifting landscape of college football dominance, making it difficult for any program to maintain Alabama's previous unparalleled level of success.