The enthusiasm surrounding Kalen DeBoer has fizzled out. The once vibrant wagon train is now deserted and any investments in DeBoer are bottoming out. There are more than 60 million compelling reasons (reference to DeBoer’s buyout clause) for Alabama to soldier on with its embattled coach, yet it’s impossible to ignore the brewing storm in Tuscaloosa. In the wake of a crushing defeat by Florida State in the inaugural game, DeBoer finds himself battling against the tide.
Expectations of Alabama reaching the playoffs are dwindling, while the credibility of two fellow SEC teams displaying unexpected potential, keeps on growing. Now the question that’s on everyone’s lips: Is Kalen DeBoer’s position as Alabama’s coach under threat? Given the below-par performance in the inaugural game, it’s a question that’s not entirely unfounded.
The loss for Alabama was not the only concern. What was alarming was the manner in which they capitulated to Florida State; they were outplayed, outmaneuvered. A glance at the staggering difference in rushing yards (230 to 74) reveals the full extent of the problem. It’s clear that the once intimidating Alabama has now turned into a team that opponents can taunt without fear of repercussions.
However, the question of DeBoer’s dismissal is not as straightforward as it might seem due to the substantial buyout clause in his contract. Should Alabama decide to part ways with DeBoer at the end of the season, it would result in the second most expensive firing in the history of college football.
Although the current situation may appear grim for the loyal fans of Alabama, it still seems unlikely that they’ve hit the nadir necessary to prompt the management to absorb such a hefty buyout sum only two years into DeBoer’s tenure. While DeBoer is no doubt on rocky ground, discussions about him warming the hot seat might be somewhat hasty.
During the disastrous match against Florida State in Tallahassee, I too hopped off the DeBoer wagon, nursing a metaphorical sprained ankle resulting from the rapid leap. Is Alabama in a state of desperate search for resources like one would for oil?
Could Texas A&M potentially provide financial assistance with remaining funds from their own sizable $76 million coach firing, assuming they’ve any left? Based on my instincts, even the thought of coughing up over $60 million to sever ties with DeBoer, especially when finance is required for player salaries, is something Alabama would not be too keen on.
While it may be too early to categorize DeBoer as being in the danger zone, the very fact that ‘hot seat’ and ‘buyout’ are being used concurrently to describe a coach merely 14 games into his tenure, is a telling indication of how things are going for DeBoer.
The post Kalen DeBoer on Shaky Ground: Will Alabama Stick it Out? appeared first on Real News Now.
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