By Jay Berry
When Nick Saban announced his retirement in 2024, many people close to the program were shocked.
“Jan. 10, 2024, is absolutely a day that will always be in my memory,” Director of Sports Medicine for University of Alabama athletics Jeff Allen said in the new episode of “The Tides That Bind.”
The latest episode of the Fox Nation documentary "The Tides That Bind: Inside Alabama Football" reveals insight into the Crimson Tide's transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer.
Here's a look at everything we learned ⤵️https://t.co/pT9SB0LAqS
— Tony Tsoukalas (@Tony_Tsoukalas) March 12, 2025
The first season after Saban’s reign didn’t live to up the program’s expectations. Inconsistent performances, puzzling play-calling and disappointing losses marked Kalen DeBoer‘s inaugural season in Tuscaloosa. The team’s struggles in key areas have left fans wondering if he’s the right man for the job.
DeBoer has won at every program he’s been at. However, none of his previous jobs were at a place quite like the University of Alabama and after Saban. I wouldn’t write DeBoer off after just one season.
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Alabama football fans are known for their passion and dedication. Still, after DeBoer’s first year at the helm, the Tide faithful feel anxious about the team’s prospects heading into the 2025 season. What’s behind this sense of unease?
The Crimson Tide’s recruiting efforts have been a topic of discussion among fans, with some expressing concern that DeBoer’s staff won’t be able to land the same caliber of talent as the Saban era. While Alabama still boasts one of the top 2025 recruiting classes, the perceived drop-off in coaching has added to the sense of unease among fans.
The 2025 schedule once again has games against powerhouse programs, some of which are in need of a big season. Some fans are worried that DeBoer’s team won’t be able to compete with these elite programs. The pressure to win is always high in Tuscaloosa, and DeBoer must deliver results quickly to alleviate the growing anxiety among fans.
The Tide has a strong core group of players returning despite losing Jalen Milroe to the NFL. They also added offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to the offense.
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy sees a path for the Crimson Tide to have a big bounce-back season in 2025.
McElroy is optimistic about Alabama’s potential resurgence, citing the returning talent on their roster and DeBoer. He also emphasized the team’s leadership, strong relationships and eagerness to change the narrative surrounding Alabama this season.
“I look at what’s coming back on this team and a lot of what has made me very bullish on Alabama, having guys that could go to the NFL deciding to return even though they don’t necessarily have to. That’s big,” McElroy said. “You’re hearing about players in the locker room saying the leadership now that’s on this roster they feel really good about. Sounds like they’re really unified; they’re anxious to kind of rewrite the messaging about what Alabama is capable of.”
The SEC could be as wild as ever in 2025 with Alabama looking to silence the doubters, Georgia trying to stay near the top and Texas is aiming for another playoff run. LSU and Ole Miss also need a breakthrough season, especially in Baton Rouge, where Brian Kelly‘s first three seasons haven’t lived up to the hype or the paycheck.
As for Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin is one of the most boisterous coaches whose teams have shown flashes of being top-tier teams, but always have multiple inconsistent performances each season.
Although the 2025 season is still months away, the Alabama football fan base is on high alert. The pressure is mounting with concerns about DeBoer’s coaching, recruiting and the team’s schedule. Can DeBoer calm the waters and lead the Tide to success, or will the anxiety among fans prove prophetic?
