🏈 What's next for Alabama after embarrassing Rose Bowl loss? Worst postseason effort warrants sweeping change

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

A better way to ask is how does DeBoer make a team better as a head coach. Pretend he was just hired.

What does he bring to the table? A confidence that he can do that job that is at a level unlike many others. A history of winning, specially beating ranked teams, that puts him at the top of current college football coaches. And a competitive spirit that very few realize he has. Aside from that, he's a good man who represents UA very well... and while he has shown some flaws in his 2 years here, IMO he still deserves our support and deserves some time to adjust and figure some things out (and he's getting time regardless). And maybe he will figure it out, maybe he won't. If not, he will eventually get replaced and UA will be on to the "next guy".

Your assessment of the physicality of CKD coached teams the last two years at Bama? I assume you agree they are not what they will have to be to play at an elite level. Why is there a physicality issue? CKD is getting paid a lot to figure it out.

IMO, it's been a consistency and fundamentals issue. There were times when they showed how physical they could be. The OL isn't as physical as it needs to be, but guys like Brailsford and Carroll bring it pretty well. I'd hope we see an uptick in physicality along the OL in '26.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

JMO the OL and RB coaches should be on the clock. The product they produced in 25 was not up to any standard. RB is talent and anybody can see that. Last portal cycle they added the RB from UL Washington and that had to be for depth only. Speed along in a 5-yard sprint should have set off an alarm. OL is another story but if a guy doesn't have quick feet, then you're shit out of luck. #75 is never going to be elite because of his feet. He is beat from the snap as a tackle.

Kalen needs to get Joe Pendry in a couple times a year for a couple of weeks to assist them with evaluations. Hell, better than that, set up his office and send the film of prospects.

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

JMO the OL and RB coaches should be on the clock.

Just tossing this out there... Justin Frye is suddenly available today (assuming the eventual new AZ HC doesn't want to keep him)

 

[bamatommy]

DeBoer had better not have any more losses like this year--- Florida State, Georgia & Indiana. Oklahoma was ugly but only a two point margin. The Sooners didn't run roughshod over Bama like the other 3.

 

[bamatommy]

I would evaluate the entire football program, top to bottom. make a check list for the coaches and players, analyst and all involved with the teaching and coaching of players for last year and this year combined. If any coach does not grade out to what you believe is acceptable and good enough to develop the players at the position they are teaching, then let them go, regardless of friendship or any other ties you may have with that particular coach.

Next, grade each player for their practice habits, play on the field, attitude, are they complainers, are they good team mates, their work in the class room and or any other metrics I could come up with. If any player does not get a winning grade is let him go. The players with the best grades get more money than ones with lower grades. A system could be worked out where evaluation of players could take place during the year and if lower paid players are deemed to be improving would receive a few more bucks as incentive to work hard. Don't like the system implemented, Bye bye.

After the dust settles, tell everyone involved with the players as well as the players, EVERYONE will be held accountable for their teaching, coaching and player performance on the practice field and on game day.

 

[Nothing_But_A_Winner00]

What does he bring to the table? A confidence that he can do that job that is at a level unlike many others. A history of winning, specially beating ranked teams, that puts him at the top of current college football coaches. And a competitive spirit that very few realize he has. Aside from that, he's a good man who represents UA very well... and while he has shown some flaws in his 2 years here, IMO he still deserves our support and deserves some time to adjust and figure some things out (and he's getting time regardless). And maybe he will figure it out, maybe he won't. If not, he will eventually get replaced and UA will be on to the "next guy".

What I meant was where should we see his fingerprints most on this team. QB comes to mind, and we have seen some inconsistent play from 2 QBs. Maybe Russell changes that. Same with Grubb. I thought his specialty was creativity and he had OL coaching experience. I think both fell short of expectations. I'm not ready to fire him, I am just asking why these strengths aren't showing consistently.

 

[Slickmullet]

The product you see is what you get when you hire a PAC-12 / west coast offensive coach. Bama hired a finesse guy to try and win against physically dominating, proven “process” related programs. They basically went 180 from what Bama was as a program before. Let’s be honest, the games Bama has lost the last 2 years they just looked like a bunch of wienies, soft.

 

[MunchyOs]

After The Bear died, Perkins said that Alabama fans would just have to get used to 9-3 kind of seasons. Of course, that wasn't...well received. I was never thrilled with the Perkins hire, but...as bad as I hate to say it...Ray may have been onto something. He, like Deboer, was coaching in a different era than his larger than life predecessor. 9-4 and a bowl game in "down" years and 11-4 with a trip to the SECCG and playoff birth in most years may be the ceiling, at least for the foreseeable future

 

[Krimson]

After The Bear died, Perkins said that Alabama fans would just have to get used to 9-3 kind of seasons. Of course, that wasn't...well received. I was never thrilled with the Perkins hire, but...as bad as I hate to say it...Ray may have been onto something. He, like Deboer, was coaching in a different era than his larger than life predecessor. 9-4 and a bowl game in "down" years and 11-4 with a trip to the SECCG and playoff birth in most years may be the ceiling, at least for the foreseeable future

I mean how realistic is it to expect 6 NCs in 17 years consistently or for most schools ever? Alabama has been lucky enough to have the right combination twice in the modern era while most schools haven't done it once. A Playoff berth in most years is pretty good imo with today's college football climate. I'd prefer to never see the epic ass kickings again, much less several in the same year but college football has changed a lot recently, for the worse imo, and made it much more difficult for sustained dynasties which was the intent I think.

 

[mando]

A company fails...stockholders want heads to roll...
Is that whining or demanding accountability

It depends if your mindset is one of excellence or excuse making.... There are many that have the mindset whatever happens is someone elses fault. Those types will never do anything to improve because they do not believe they are the problem.

 

[mando]

I mean how realistic is it to expect 6 NCs in 17 years consistently or for most schools ever? Alabama has been lucky enough to have the right combination twice in the modern era while most schools haven't done it once. A Playoff berth in most years is pretty good imo with today's college football climate. I'd prefer to never see the epic ass kickings again, much less several in the same year but college football has changed a lot recently, for the worse imo, and made it much more difficult for sustained dynasties which was the intent I think.

It isn't realistic but Bama fans should never apologize for demanding excellence. If you do not it will never happen. Now talking heads will try to shame you for demanding excellence. Screw them....

 

[50+yeartidefan]

It depends if your mindset is one of excellence or excuse making.... There are many that have the mindset whatever happens is someone elses fault. Those types will never do anything to improve because they do not believe they are the problem.

Everyone whines when they lose...even subpar programs....Even AU fans still whining...
About as sub par as they get....everyone wants to be ...bama

 

[94 Grad]

It isn't realistic but Bama fans should never apologize for demanding excellence. If you do not it will never happen. Now talking heads will try to shame you for demanding excellence. Screw them....

The key part you are missing is.... Demanding Excellence, "but having realistic expectations." Sometimes, we as fans do fine on the first part not so good on the second...

 

[Krimson]

It isn't realistic but Bama fans should never apologize for demanding excellence. If you do not it will never happen. Now talking heads will try to shame you for demanding excellence. Screw them....

Agree completely on not apologizing for demanding excellence the issue lies in what some consider excellence imo. Making the playoffs and playing competitively in every game is pretty close to excellence imo. Some would only say excellence is winning the NC every other year. I don't think Saban could repeat his run with the current rules, or lack thereof, of today's football. I'm sure everyone defines excellence a little differently and that gives us something to talk about during the off season.

 

[shipley00]

Sometimes stats lie. Most often they do not. Jury is out for me on CKB for coaching style. Offensive line scheme, jury was in early this season. If there was a grade lower than F, I'd give it. Stats:
SEC Rush Rank YRDs
2015 3 2999
2016 2 3675
2017 3 3509
2018 7 2976
2019 6 2191
2020 4 2385
2021 10 2250
2022 7 2542
2023 6 2417
2024 6 2260
2025 15 1562

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

I want to see a well-coached team in all facets.
I want to see coaches address mistakes made during the game when a player comes to the sideline. If you can't correct a player for mistakes because he will just exit, then the coach should exit the player 1st. You can't have winning football without discipline.
There is going to be days you get your ass whipped so act like you have some class and get ready to get better for next week.
Act like you have some Class instead of acting like an ASS (I understand where we are on this due society). Just give them a pat on shoulder and tell them things will be better. F that. Take into Dr Cain's tent and beat them with a 2x4.

2026 is the Year. Hope Kal n can find real success on his staff, his roster, and mold a team into a really good team. I think he needs at least 8-4 to get year 4. The good news is every other team in the SEC is struggling as well.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

I want to see a well-coached team in all facets.
I want to see coaches address mistakes made during the game when a player comes to the sideline. If you can't correct a player for mistakes because he will just exit, then the coach should exit the player 1st. You can't have winning football without discipline.
There is going to be days you get your ass whipped so act like you have some class and get ready to get better for next week.
Act like you have some Class instead of acting like an ASS (I understand where we are on this due society). Just give them a pat on shoulder and tell them things will be better. F that. Take into Dr Cain's tent and beat them with a 2x4.

2026 is the Year. Hope Kal n can find real success on his staff, his roster, and mold a team into a really good team. I think he needs at least 8-4 to get year 4. The good news is every other team in the SEC is struggling as well.

8-4. ????? Wow

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

8-4. ????? Wow

I base that on #15 leaving and #10 starting only the be replaced by #12 mid-season. I think we're about 4-4 or 5-4 and then #12 settles in and we finish pretty strong. Win the Bowl game and then ready for 2027 but not before 25 more players leave after the 2026 season.


How's that.


Old man, look at my life
I'm a lot like you were
Old man, look at my life
I'm a lot like you were

 

[50+yeartidefan]

I base that on #15 leaving and #10 starting only the be replaced by #12 mid-season. I think we're about 4-4 or 5-4 and then #12 settles in and we finish pretty strong. Win the Bowl game and then ready for 2027 but not before 25 more players leave after the 2026 season.


How's that.


Old man, look at my life
I'm a lot like you were
Old man, look at my life
I'm a lot like you were

I do see a lot headed into portal. Dont know what this means. Maybe ...cleaning house...spend money on developed players.

But some good players.

I doubt Ty leaves. Goes to nfl or staying at bama. Lifelong bama fan. Dnt know why he would.

Got 2 really good QBs coming in. And 2 behind Ty...

 

[mando]

The key part you are missing is.... Demanding Excellence, "but having realistic expectations." Sometimes, we as fans do fine on the first part not so good on the second...

The standard does not change but realistic expectations may. The standard for year 1 and 2 for CKD did not change the realistic expectations should have although I agree many did not have realistic expectation. The last game should have self corrected that unrealistic expectation.