DeBoer Emphasizes Continuity as Alabama Eyes Bounce-Back Season in 2025
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — July 20, 2025 — After a 9-4 debut season that fell short of Alabama’s sky-high expectations, head coach Kalen DeBoer is making one thing clear heading into Year 2: continuity is key.
DeBoer, who succeeded legendary coach Nick Saban in 2024, acknowledged that last season’s transition came with growing pains. The Crimson Tide missed the College Football Playoff and struggled in key moments, prompting internal reflection.
“We fell short, no doubt,” DeBoer said in recent remarks. “But Year 1 was about more than wins and losses—it was about building a foundation. Now, we’re in a much better position to take the next step.”
System Familiarity Offers a Boost
With a full season under their belts, both players and coaches are now well-versed in DeBoer’s system. The offseason has focused heavily on dissecting breakdowns from 2024—not just identifying what went wrong, but understanding why.
“This spring and summer were more productive than last year,” DeBoer said. “Everyone understands the language, the structure, and the expectations.”
Experience Returns on Defense
One area where DeBoer sees major potential for improvement is defense. The Tide are expected to return a significant number of contributors, giving them an edge in understanding the schemes and building continuity.
“We’ve got the pieces,” said junior offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. “Now it’s about pushing through. Last year wasn’t good enough, and we all know that. There’s a hunger to get back to what Alabama football means.”
Quarterback Battle in the Spotlight
The quarterback competition remains one of the most talked-about storylines heading into fall camp. With Jalen Milroe gone, Alabama will turn to one of Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, or freshman Keelon Russell to lead the offense.
DeBoer is confident the culture and structure now in place will help ease the transition.
“We’re not starting from scratch this time,” he said. “Whoever wins the job will have a much clearer blueprint and support system around them.”
Special Teams Faces Overhaul
The Tide must also replace all three key specialists: kicker, punter, and long snapper. Still, DeBoer remains optimistic, citing the development of younger players who saw action last year.
“Special teams is one of those areas where experience matters, but so does preparation,” he noted. “We’ve got a pipeline, and we trust our development.”
The Road Ahead
With lessons learned and a deeper sense of identity, Alabama is positioning itself to return to form in 2025. But DeBoer is under no illusions—execution, particularly in high-stakes road games and SEC matchups, will be the true test.
“We’ve put in the work,” DeBoer said. “Now the challenge is turning that into results—especially when it counts.”
As Alabama enters Year 2 under DeBoer, the program isn’t just looking for improvement. It’s looking to reassert itself atop the college football world.
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