It’s been a tough week for college football fans, especially those backing Alabama. The first-ever 12-team playoff bracket dropped, and the chaos was instant. For the first time in over a decade, the Crimson Tide—a name synonymous with dominance—found themselves on the outside looking in.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer, who’s still trying to fill the massive shoes left by Nick Saban, argued passionately for Alabama’s brutal schedule to be taken into account. ‘How could SMU, with a softer schedule, get the nod over us?’ seemed to be the core of his message to the CFP committee. But the response was crystal clear: Win your games. Don’t get blown out by Oklahoma or lose to Vanderbilt, one of the SEC’s traditional underdogs.

If the playoff snub wasn’t enough, DeBoer managed to spark even more outrage when he was spotted at an Alabama basketball game with Greg Byrne, Bama’s athletic director. The Next Round shared photos of the duo on X with the caption, “Kalen DeBoer with AD Greg Byrne at the game tonight, great conversations during timeouts.” That harmless post lit a fuse among Tide fans already frustrated with the season.

For many Alabama faithful, DeBoer’s perceived nonchalance is a hard pill to swallow. The Tide’s 9-3 record isn’t just a disappointment—it’s a wake-up call. The playoff snub was a symptom, not the disease. Losses to Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee painted a stark picture of a program struggling to maintain its once-unmatched dominance. While DeBoer’s previous success at Washington proved his coaching chops, transitioning to the SEC—a battlefield unlike any other in college football—has been anything but smooth.

Critics have started drawing unfavorable comparisons to Mike Shula, a former Alabama coach who faced similar struggles. Some believe that instead of watching the basketball game, the head coach should concentrate on the program’s upcoming season due to its terrible state. 

The internet is having a field day roasting Kalen DeBoer

Critics flooded social media, questioning why DeBoer wasn’t working on fixing the team’s problems instead of watching basketball.  “He needs to be recruiting the damn portal instead of watching a f*****g basketball game!!!!!!!“ one fan raged.

But the outrage isn’t just about the losses—it’s about what lies ahead. Alabama faces a growing list of uncertainties, from roster turnover to a recruiting class that doesn’t quite scream “dynasty.” As one X user sarcastically commented, “Telling him about the players he’s getting out of the portal?” referencing the mass exodus of talent from Alabama’s roster, including stars like Jehiem Oatis and Caleb Odom, not to mention quarterback Jalen Milroe, who’s expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Milroe’s likely departure leaves a gaping hole at quarterback, and DeBoer has yet to prove he can land or develop a replacement who can match Milroe’s explosive potential. Fans, of course, haven’t been shy about their opinions. One even joked, “How do we make Milroe stay, Greg?” alluding to the visible frustration in Byrne’s expression in the now-viral courtside photos.

Adding fuel to the fire is DeBoer’s perceived lack of urgency. His relaxed demeanor in the X post sparked memes, with one fan quipping, “New meme template just dropped,” and another declaring, “Greg’s not buying any of the ish he’s selling.” The lighthearted jabs are rooted in a deeper concern: Can DeBoer handle the pressure of leading Alabama back to glory?

For now, the Tide’s faithful remain restless, their faith in DeBoer hanging by a thread. His ability to navigate the transfer portal, lock in recruits, and develop a cohesive game plan will be under the microscope heading into next season. Amidst that, there are also comments pouring in like “He’s just not SEC-ready.”

Let’s see if Kalen DeBoer can silence the doubters and restore the Tide’s dominance. Until then, Alabama fans will keep the pressure on, demanding not just improvement but a return to the pinnacle of college football. And as the dust settles on this chaotic week, one thing is certain: DeBoer’s got a long offseason ahead of him.