Why Paul Finebaum feels DeBoer is on the hot seat, despite contract extension

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer looks on in the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Kalen DeBoer is on the hot seat, according to ESPN’s Paul Finebaum.

DeBoer recently signed a seven-year contract extension after leading the Tide to the College Football Playoff and a playoff victory last season. Unfortunately for Alabama, the Tide’s 2025 season ended in the Rose Bowl against Indiana in a game where Finebaum feels Cignetti took DeBoer to the wood shed.

“The last time we saw Kalen DeBoer on a football field, he had his lunch money stolen by Curt Cignetti,” Finebaum said on ESPN’s First Take. “It was one of the most embarrassing— forget one of the most, it was the most embarrassing loss in Alabama history. He lost by 35 points at the Rose Bowl. His team waved the white flag, and that memory has not gone away. And if he doesn’t get back, his fan base will be angry. Yes, $70 million is a lot of money to pay a coach. But $76 million was a lot to pay a coach a couple of years ago. And guess what? Texas A&M got rid of Jimbo Fisher, and their program is a lot better as a result.”

Finebaum went on to doubt DeBoer’s fit at Alabama.

“Kalen DeBoer has just made a mess out of a great situation.” said Finebaum. “He’s lost eight games in two years, as Stephen A. said. He lost to Florida State last year, which was total trash and should have fired its coach. He lost to Oklahoma at home. He won a playoff game. He also was down 17. Oklahoma had a 17-nothing lead and completely choked the game away, as Stephen and I both remember because we were talking during the game. But let’s not get carried away with DeBoer. He’s an excellent coach, but is he the right coach at Alabama? And Stephen A., I think you know the answer.”