Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Alabama football’s head coach didn’t meet expectations. There’s plenty of places where a nine-win season and a bowl appearance would be cause for celebration under a new coach, but Tuscaloosa isn’t one of them, especially after Nick Saban’s tenure.

MOBILE, Ala. — Kalen DeBoer knows Alabama football has to be better. Standing outside of Hancock Whitney Stadium for the 2025 Senior Bowl, the Alabama football coach harkened back to his expectation for the Crimson Tide when he first took the job: to perform at a championship level.

MOBILE, Ala. — Standing outside Hancock Whitney Stadium at the Senior Bowl where former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was getting looked at by NFL scouts, Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer spoke glowingly of what was to come for the Crimson Tide at quarterback.