When Alabama hired Kalen DeBoer to replace their all-time great head coach, Nick Saban, it was quite evident that DeBoer may not be able to repeat what Saban did in all those 17 years at Crimson Tide. Recruiting, coaching, building team culture, talent development, and whatnot. Saban’s Alabama era checked all the boxes. So, when asked about a comparison, Josh Pate—a college football analyst for CBS—did not mince his words. “Of course, he won’t. I doubt anyone will be able to do that… You probably haven’t come to realize how impossible what he did is to accomplish again,” Pate said. And who better than Alabama to know this? But now that he has spent a year with the Crimson Tide, pressure is mounting on DeBoer.

Just last month, Fox Nation released “The Tides That Bind: Inside Alabama Football” documentary. In the series, when George Byrne—Alabama Athletics Director—introduced DeBoer for the first time to all Crimson Tide players as their new honcho, DeBoer revealed his plan to succeed Saban. “It’s hard enough the way it is, to be the best,” DeBoer said. “And that’s our goal. That’s what we’re shooting for is to be the best. Not second, not third, not fourth. To be the best.”

“I have a vision, and my vision is probably very similar to what your vision is for this program, and what you want individually: NFL and great opportunity at the next level. And the other part of the vision is obviously winning championships,” DeBoer added. Well, guess what? A team that is addicted to championships can not be kept away from silverware for too long. Now, as DeBoer gears up for his second year in Tuscaloosa, skepticism surrounding his ability to sustain Alabama’s championship dominance is only growing stronger.

With Ryan Grubb by his side, DeBoer has his feet wet, and the pressure to deliver ramps up. Asking him to deliver hardware would be a little too rich, even borderline delusional. So what sort of checkpoint does Kalen DeBoer need to breach in year 2 in order to keep the Bama brass, and more importantly, the fans, by his side? Jimmy Stein of the “Locked on Alabama” podcast urges him to reach a particular number in the W column.

Guesting on the “Locked on College Football” podcast, host Spencer McLaughlin confronted him about DeBoer’s future. “Alabama fans are putting a certain line on ‘You have to be [winning 10 games] or else you should be gone.’ Is that a crazy take to you?” asked McLaughlin.

“No, especially from the fan perspective,” Stein replied. “If Alabama doesn’t make the playoffs again, I think most- or many- Alabama fans will be off the bandwagon and things will start getting loud.” The premise of the discussion assumed 10-2 will be enough to get you through. Jimmy Stein acknowledged how a $66 million buyout in DeBoer’s contract means the decision-makers could have their hands tied. Especially with revenue sharing around the corner.

However, he raised how not having fans in support of the head coach will affect NIL funding and revenue. Meaning their sentiment does hold weight. “I think making the playoffs is just imperative, or there will be a lot of fan heat…In this new era, you’re sort of dependent on fans, to some extent, to help pay the players. You’ve got to have fan support, or things can get sort of messy,” he said.

Stein and McLaughlin proceeded to discuss the elephant in the room. The paramount conundrum weighing on Kalen DeBoer. A fork in the road that will dictate how 2025 transpires for Bama and his future with them. In a twisted yet fitting way, the biggest factor of whether DeBoer survives is a decision in his own hands. Who does he pick as his starting quarterback? 3 contenders are in the fray- Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell. Stein leveraged his thoughts on the same, and when he expects an official announcement about the QB1 shirt.

Kalen DeBoer’s future directly tied to which QB he lands on

Prior to spring camp, the feeling was that Ty Simpson would be atop the quarterback depth chart. He’s paid his dues, sitting patiently in the wins for 3 years, getting ready for his opportunity. A 5-star recruit, he’s got the tools in his repertoire too. Kalen DeBoer’s offensive enterprise seemed to have its focal point sorted. However, word out of Tuscaloosa is that Austin Mack has thrown a spanner in the works. Pete Nakos of On3 reports Austin Mack “has been turning heads in spring practice and is a serious contender for the starting job.” It’s noteworthy that Mack was with Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb at Washington. Meaning he does possess a pre-existing knowledge of Grubb’s system and schemes. 

Not to forget, true freshman Keelon Russell is a stud in his own right. In fact, he’s more than just a stud- he’s the highest rated recruit in Alabama history. The Gatorade National POTY. For a program that’s seen more 5-stars than downtown LA, that’s telling. Plus, WR Ryan Williams’ own performances as a true freshman lends into the belief Russell can be trusted with the keys to the operation. Russell does project as somebody who’s physically ready, and won’t be fazed by the bright lights at the Bryant-Denny.

With all this baked in, Jimmy Stein came to the decision that things remain very much up in the air. He firmly believes this is a 3-way battle right up till fall. However, Stein did mention who he thinks will start Week 1. “Don’t think there’s going to be some sort of bold announcement or proclamation. I think a major goal that Alabama is going to have this summer is to keep all three guys on the roster. If you say someone’s a starter, you’re going to worry one of them or the other two will leave [via the transfer portal” he said.

“A lot of people forget, because of the shiny new toy concept with Keelon Russell being brand new to campus. [But] Ty Simpson was a 5-star also!… Ty’s got a great arm. He’s a plus athlete, and he’s now going into year 4. I think Ty would have to be the betting favorite to at least be the quarterback in the opener against Florida State…but Keelon Russell and Austin Mack are extremely gifted kids and there is a legitimate competition,” added Jimmy Stein. Kalen DeBoer isn’t in an envious position here. But working through dilemmas like this is why he’s paid the big bucks. The QB he lands on will be the first, most crucial domino in his sophomore year in Tuscaloosa. He’ll hope the remainder of spring, right up to fall, makes the decision more linear. There’s a lot riding on it.