He has the support of the University of Alabama’s Board of Trustees, including athletics director Greg Byrne, but will Kalen DeBoer put everything together in year three at Alabama?
ESPN personality not pleased with Kalen DeBoer’s extension at Alabama
The Crimson Tide fan base, which saw him get a seven-year extension worth $87.5 million, are hoping he does. They witnessed nine wins in his first season (2024) as he transitioned Alabama into the post-Nick Saban era. DeBoer returned with 11 victories last year, guiding the Tide to the Southeastern Conference Championship Game and College Football Playoff. He’s brought in two good recruiting classes and new coaches that intend on restoring an excellent culture.
Everyone wants to win, but what are the realistic expectations for Tide fans this season?
BREAKING: Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer gets extension
Several took to social media to share what they want from Coach DeBoer in year three.
Sec champ
— Bamafan7788 (@Bamafan8877) April 30, 2026
Deep playoff run. Field a team that doesn’t have a glaring deficiency in a part of the game(run offense/ run defense)
— D (@dustinivie_) April 29, 2026
I expect us to compete for a national championship.
— Randy Stowe (@rstowe1225) April 30, 2026
Not losing to Florida State and not getting too badly beaten by legit contenders like Indiana
— Benjamin Howell (@bhowell3405) April 30, 2026
Win! Improve! Run the ball. No FSU screw ups, no oopty oop 4th down play calls like the Rose Bowl. Less talk – more action.
— Todd Blass 🇺🇸 (@toddblass) April 29, 2026
I expect to win. 10-2/11-1 something like that. The one thing that has to stop is the embarrassing losses.
— Tide1 (@ThatBamaFan1) April 30, 2026
Year 3. Natty or bust.
— BAMA GOODMAN (@BIGALFAN22) April 30, 2026
At least 10-2. Playoff berth. That’s the minimum I expect this year.
— The LFB (@The_LFB) April 29, 2026
Playoffs.
— Jamie Bailey (@PawpawBaileyx4) April 29, 2026
Natty
— UABama#18🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@BamaLife4Ever) April 29, 2026
Natty always
— 💛💜34 Like Diesel 💛💜 (@God91In) April 29, 2026
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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

