Paul Finebaum asks if Kalen DeBoer is AI generated

Dec 31, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; SEC network host Paul Finebaum looks on before the 2022 Peach Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ohio State Buckeyesat Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Finebaum has been dragging Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer this offseason, and now, Finebaum is wondering if DeBoer is AI generated.

On ESPN’s Get Up, Finebaum reacted to the way DeBoer responded to a question about if Alabama is aware of national doubt. DeBoer answered the question by saying “Yeah, we are definitely aware.”

Finebaum questioned DeBoer’s response as well his lack of emotion, instructing him to not act like a robot.

“Is [Kalen DeBoer] real, or is he the first AI generated college football coach?” Finebaum said. “This guy shows no emotion. He could be a hostage negotiator. He never even blinked his eyes when he was asked that question. You’re the head coach of Alabama. Do I need to say this every day? Act like it. Don’t act like a robot.”

Finebaum went on to say that DeBoer should have responded by saying “Yeah, we’re aware, and we’re going to do something about it. Next question you ask me that question, we’ll be ranked in the top 10. We’re gonna beat Georgia. We’re gonna win the national championship.”

“Instead, he just nods his head and blinks his eyes,” Finebaum added. “I want proof of life. That’s all I’m asking.”

To recap everything he said, Finebaum called DeBoer “AI generated”, adding that he shows no emotion and would make a great hostage negotiator, and he said wants proof that DeBoer is indeed alive and not a robot.

These are probably some of the worst comments that have been made about DeBoer since he took the Alabama head coaching job in 2024.

The reality is that each coach handles the media in their own way, and DeBoer doesn’t like to share much of what’s on his mind when he gets asked about what his thoughts are on the latest thing the media is writing about.

Nick Saban used to make examples out of media members that asked ill-advised questions. Despite being a member of the media currently, Saban was the one that started using the term “rat poison” to describe some of the things that were put online by reporters.

The biggest thing to note is that DeBoer is not Saban, and the third-year head coach of the Crimson Tide will handle things in his own way.

Finebaum has gone on rants since SEC Media Days. He said he feels like Saban is dumbing down the expectations for DeBoer and Alabama, and he also has spoken numerous times about why he believes DeBoer is on the hot seat.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith also joined in on the bashing of DeBoer. He holds the belief that DeBoer has run Alabama into the ground, and he questioned DeBoer’s desire to win a national championship at Alabama.

DeBoer’s third season at Alabama will be looked at by people from magnifying glasses. Every single thing, including his nonverbal communication, is being dissected ahead of the 2026 season.

It will be the one of the most important seasons of Alabama football the program has had in a while, and it ultimately could determine what the future of Alabama football will look like.