DeBoer’s Second Act: Improvement, Expectations, and the Quarterback Question at Alabama

Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, leans forward, his demeanor shifting from polite engagement to genuine enthusiasm. The interview, already spanning nearly half an hour within the confines of his office, has touched upon various aspects of the program. Yet, when the conversation turns to areas of anticipated improvement, DeBoer’s response is immediate and unequivocal.

"The defensive backfield as a whole," he declares, "is the one that’s just completely different than what it was a year ago."

This declaration underscores a significant point: DeBoer sees tangible progress in key areas, a foundation upon which he hopes to build a more successful season. The secondary, fortified by returning starters, boasts a level of experience that was absent when DeBoer inherited the program from the legendary Nick Saban.

His optimism extends beyond the defense. DeBoer expresses satisfaction with the receiving corps, bolstered by the addition of Miami transfer Isaiah Horton, who joins veterans like Germie Bernard and sophomore sensation Ryan Williams. When asked if the receivers are better than last season, DeBoer offers a simple, affirmative response: "Accurate."

He also anticipates further development from an offensive line that returns three starters, believing they are poised "to take another step" after experiencing inconsistencies in the previous season.

The prevailing sentiment surrounding DeBoer’s second year is one of optimism, fueled by several factors. The program has weathered the storm of a significant transition following Saban’s retirement, and now enjoys greater stability in both roster composition and coaching staff. DeBoer himself has gained valuable experience in the SEC, becoming more familiar with his players and their capabilities. Furthermore, the reunion with Ryan Grubb, his trusted offensive coordinator from their successful stint at Washington, promises to revitalize the offense.

Greg Byrne, Alabama’s athletic director, echoes this sentiment, noting "a level of confidence that’s exuding from the team," and that he detects the same from the coaching staff.

DeBoer’s track record speaks for itself: at each of his previous coaching stops, his teams have demonstrated marked improvement from Year 1 to Year 2. The question, then, is not whether improvement is possible, but rather to what extent it can be achieved at a program with the lofty expectations of Alabama.

However, the narrative of progress is not without its complexities. The quarterback situation looms large, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the team’s offensive potential.

While Saban’s tenure was undeniably magnificent, he did not leave every position group fully stocked. The departures of standout safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Isaiah Bond, following Saban’s retirement, further complicated matters. In contrast to his second season at Washington, DeBoer inherited fewer proven offensive playmakers at Alabama.

Yet, he was also gifted with a prized asset in returning starter Jalen Milroe, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. The expectation was that Milroe, under DeBoer’s tutelage, would flourish as Michael Penix Jr. had at Washington.

Unfortunately, this did not materialize. Milroe’s performance regressed, plagued by turnovers and inconsistencies. Several factors contributed to this: Milroe was playing under his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, his top receivers were new to the program, and the run game struggled to provide consistent support. Nevertheless, the reality remained that Milroe’s development stalled.

Now, Alabama faces a quarterback competition with no clear frontrunner. Former backup Ty Simpson appears to be the leading candidate, a notion seemingly confirmed by Grubb’s comments in April. DeBoer, however, maintains that the competition remains open, emphasizing the need for consistency and leadership from whoever ultimately wins the job.

Simpson’s limited experience, with only 50 career pass attempts in his first three seasons, makes him the veteran of a group that includes five-star freshman Keelon Russell and Austin Mack, a former Washington backup who followed DeBoer to Tuscaloosa. Mack has yet to play a snap against an FBS opponent.

DeBoer describes Simpson as capable of "get[ting] the ball where it needs to be." This description evokes memories of Saban’s early quarterbacks, whose proficiency was more about managing the game than dominating it. A similar approach might suffice if Alabama’s offensive line, receivers, and run game significantly improve.

Last season, Alabama’s offense showed the most promise when Milroe utilized his running ability. While Simpson possesses some quickness, he lacks Milroe’s explosiveness in the open field.

The key to offensive growth, therefore, lies in efficiency and minimizing mistakes. DeBoer must also address the issue of discipline, which has been a growing concern in recent years. The team’s tendency to commit penalties, highlighted by Malachi Moore’s costly meltdown against Vanderbilt, suggests a decline in accountability.

Alabama’s penalty woes predate Saban’s retirement. The team became one of the most penalized in the nation during his final five seasons, relying on exceptional quarterback play and a dominant pass rush to mask these deficiencies.

With the quarterback play faltering last season, and the pass rush losing its edge, the cracks in the foundation became exposed.

DeBoer quotes Bill Walsh, saying "’Champions are champions before they’re champions.’" He expounds that winning championships is the result of cultivating the habits and behaviors of champions.

Champions do not commit 15 penalties in a single game, as Alabama did in its loss to Tennessee. The team’s 10 turnovers in its four losses underscore the need for greater ball security and decision-making.

DeBoer emphasizes the importance of learning from disappointment and responding in a way that leads to desired outcomes.

His nine wins in his debut season exceeded Saban’s first-year total at Alabama, as well as Kirby Smart’s initial record at Georgia. He matched Urban Meyer’s win total in his first year at Florida. Saban, Meyer, and Smart are considered the SEC’s three best coaches of the past quarter-century.

This comparison is not to suggest that DeBoer will necessarily reach their level, as each coach inherited different circumstances. However, it serves as a reminder that it is too early to judge DeBoer’s tenure based solely on his 9-4 debut, which was Alabama’s worst showing since Saban’s 7-6 start in 2007.

DeBoer is not one to sugarcoat reality. He acknowledges that Alabama failed to meet expectations last season.

"This is a program that expects to be front and center," he states. "That’s what I expect."

DeBoer’s first season offered a glimpse of what could be, both good and bad.

Supporters saw a transition year with a new coach, navigating a challenging situation. The wins against Auburn and LSU provided glimpses of potential. Skeptics saw a coach overwhelmed by the magnitude of the job, struggling to adapt to the SEC, and experiencing a reversal of fortune after a string of close victories at Washington.

The more balanced view suggests that DeBoer will improve with the return of Grubb and a greater familiarity with his roster and surroundings.

Coaching Alabama in the shadow of Saban means operating under intense scrutiny. Every decision, every play call, and every word is subject to analysis.

After Alabama’s loss to Vanderbilt, the first since 1984, fans even criticized DeBoer’s wardrobe, specifically his choice to wear a T-shirt on game day.

DeBoer acknowledges that such intense scrutiny is part of the job he signed up for.

He exudes a sense of composure, suggesting that he can handle the pressures of the position with grace.

Byrne observed this steadiness during the hiring process, noting that DeBoer could also get fired up about things, which he views as a healthy trait.

Byrne’s track record in hiring coaches is impressive, including successes like Dan Mullen at Mississippi State and Nate Oats at Alabama basketball. While it is still early, the initial signs for DeBoer are encouraging.

DeBoer has the support of Byrne and the Alabama administration, and the time needed to prove himself.

Byrne emphasizes the importance of coaching staff stability and expresses excitement about the future of Alabama football.

As for DeBoer’s unwavering enthusiasm, look no further than the defensive backs. He really likes them.

"They have a desire to be elite," DeBoer says. "I’m excited about that position group."