Can Kalen DeBoer shock college football by leading the University of Alabama to a national championship in his first season as head coach?
Some national media pundits feel that he can. He has created a winning culture at every program he’s been at, including the University of Washington. DeBoer took a struggling Huskies program in 2021 and had it playing for a College Football Playoff National Championship two years later. The 49-year-old was handpicked by Greg Byrne, Alabama’s athletics director, to be Nick Saban’s successor for the Crimson Tide. Greg McElroy, a former Tide quarterback, is giving DeBoer a 75 percent chance of winning a national title at Alabama. McElroy, a 2009 SEC and BCS National Champion, doesn’t think it will take long for DeBoer.
Former Alabama QB Greg McElroy on why he’s giving Kalen DeBoer a 75% chance to win a national championship at Alabama 😯 pic.twitter.com/WzFpkwqBGU
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) May 20, 2024
“This guy, in his carer, has only two losses against ranked opponents,” McElroy said about DeBoer on his Always CFB podcast.
“I think it’s highly likely. With the keys to the castle that he just inherited? I think he’s going to get it done.”
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DeBoer has one of the most talented rosters in college football, regardless of players that entered the NCAA transfer portal after Saban announced his retirement. He got five-star Ryan Williams to recommit and sign to the Crimson Tide as an electric wide receiver. DeBoer also made moves in the transfer portal, getting Parker Brailsford (center), Germie Bernard (wide receiver), Josh Cuevas (tight end), DaShawn Jones (cornerback), King Mack (safety), and Geno VanDeMark (offensive lineman).
DeBoer has an opportunity to have an exciting offense and defense for the Tide.
We will see if he delivers a national title in year one for Alabama.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
