Paul Finebaum calls Kalen DeBoer a ‘bad fit’ for Alabama football

Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer reacts after a play during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum feels Kalen DeBoer does not quite fit at Alabama. DeBoer is set to enter his third season as the Crimson Tide’s head coach, and Alabama is 20-8 under DeBoer.

Finebaum was a guest on ON3’s Craine & Cone , and he was asked to discuss the most overrated coach in college football.

While he does not believe DeBoer is overrated, Finebaum is not a fan of his fit in Tuscaloosa.

“On our show, the most talked about name is Kalen DeBoer,” Finebaum said. “I don’t think he is overrated. I just think he is a bad fit.

“He’s not overrated but DeBoer is a BAD FIT at @AlabamaFTBL”

–@finebaum on if DeBoer can get it done pic.twitter.com/jtnf3wWr0h

— Jake “JBOY” Crain (@JakeCrain_) May 6, 2026

Alabama recently gave DeBoer a contract extension. Under the extension, he will earn $12.5 million annually.

“My family and I would like to thank the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Trant, President Mohler, Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, our athletics administration and football staff, this community and the University for their continued support of Alabama Football,” DeBoer said in a statement after earning extension. “We are excited about the opportunity to continue our time in Tuscaloosa with this contract extension. This University has become a special place to us, and I look forward to working to ensure that Alabama football remains at the forefront of college football. This program has a long history of success and an unmatched tradition that I was eager to be a part of two years ago, and I cannot wait to keep coaching our guys and bring more championships to Alabama.”