“Nick Saban would have never lost a game like that,” said Paul Finebaum after Alabama’s shocking loss to Vanderbilt. And honestly, that’s how most of the college football world feels! Kalen DeBoer’s coaching style often gets compared to Saban’s, the legendary coach who brought Alabama six national championships.

Even though DeBoer’s team managed to beat South Carolina, he still had a rough week, facing criticism for some coaching mistakes. Filling the shoes of a G.O.A.T. like Nick Saban comes with its own challenges—there are both advantages and serious pressure. But when the G.O.A.T. himself steps in to back you up, it definitely makes things a bit easier to handle.

On October 18th, Pat McAfee took to X to share Nick Saban’s word of advice for Kalen DeBoer, as he is facing a tough time with all the comparisons and trolling. Reflecting on his coaching days at Michigan, Nick Saban revealed that he faced the same challenge of simultaneously coaching the team and stepping in for former head coach George Perles as the team won the Big 10 championship under him. As a result, the intensified expectations demanded that Saban achieve similar results. However, addressing the whole situation, Saban guided Kalen saying, “So when I went there, I was expected to do things almost exactly like he did them because I’d been on the staff, but yet through the years I’ve learned some other ways to do things.” 

Nick Saban also highlighted the fact that taking over an already successful program is not everyone’s cup of tea, as a small mistake can cause your entire career, saying, “I do think this is a tough transition for Kalen and is anytime you take over a successful program.” And finally, Saban said something that was much needed for DeBoer as he is facing a lot of criticism for his coaching techniques. “I think he has to do what he does his way; you know, he can’t be me; he can’t try to be somebody that he isn’t.”

Whether you love him or hate him, you cannot deny the impact Kalen DeBoer has had on Washington and Sioux Falls, leading them to championship victories. Additionally, during his time at Alabama, the team has already secured five wins this season. However, their next game against the Vols is going to be a very crucial showdown as DeBoer really can’t afford to lose it.

Why Kalen DeBoer can’t lose to the Vols?

Well, losing to the Tennessee Volunteers will have a significant impact on Kalen DeBoer’s reputation at Alabama. Historically, the team has consistently outperformed the Vols, winning 15 consecutive games under Nick Saban’s leadership. If DeBoer’s era marks a loss against Tennessee, the criticism and backlash he will face will reach unprecedented levels, making it incredibly challenging for him to endure.

Even Paul Finebaum mentioned the same thing while discussing the troubles that fans would create for Kalen DeBoer if he even made a tiny mistake in this game, saying, “I was in Alabama for two days this week, and Bama fans are already beside themselves. They’re not calling him Kalen DeBoer; they’re stopping me at the airport and saying what’s with this guy? There’s a serious bailout on the new guy who just weeks ago was on top of the world.”

Now, Kalen DeBoer is facing a must-win situation here. Can he keep the winning streak alive against his rivals?