Paul Finebaum Reveals It’s Still 'Awkward' for a Major SEC Head Coach

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer has been one of the most discussed coaches in college football this offseason.

Kalen DeBoer's Seat Could Get Hotter Despite Alabama's Progress

DeBoer is entering his third season in Tuscaloosa, after guiding Alabama to a 9-4 season in Year 1 and an improved 11-4 season in Year 2.

Despite leading the Crimson Tide to the SEC Championship Game and the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff last season, there are still skeptics about whether he's the man who can lead the Crimson Tide back to prominence.

The pressure heightened even more this offseason when DeBoer signed a major contract extension. This drew criticism from both fans and national media, given that Alabama is about winning championships, and DeBoer hasn't won anything yet.

Paul Finebaum Admits Things are 'Awkward' in Tuscaloosa

ESPN's Paul Finebaum has been a supporter of DeBoer as a head coach, but even he questions if he's the right fit in Tuscaloosa.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," he was discussing DeBoer's tenure with a caller. Finebaum said it's fair to make some excuses for the first season, but even after a rebound year in Year 2, things are still awkward.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer speaks to the press. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"As far as DeBoer, I think he did lose a couple of key players, but he had enough," Finebaum said. I just think it is a matter of him either getting adjusted, because right now it still feels a little bit awkward."

DeBoer's Only Solution Is to Win at Alabama

To make things less awkward, the mission is simple for DeBoer: win. If he can prove that the Crimson Tide made the right hire and that the program is trending back toward being a consistent national championship contender, then a lot of the criticism will fall by the wayside. But if the team regresses in 2026, the noise will only grow louder in Tuscaloosa.

Finebaum's comments capture the strange position DeBoer currently occupies. There is plenty of evidence that he's a good coach. His record at previous stops proves that, and he has already improved Alabama from his first season to his second. But Alabama isn't hiring coaches simply to be good.

The Crimson Tide expects to compete for national championships every season, especially after Nick Saban set an almost impossible standard during his tenure.

DeBoer now has the security of a major contract extension, but that also comes with even greater expectations. The longer he goes without a championship, the louder the questions about whether he's the right fit will become.

DeBoer has already shown he can improve Alabama. In 2026, he has to show he can turn that improvement into championships.

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