By Mmesoma 
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer isn’t mincing words about the Crimson Tide’s 2024 season — and he’s making it clear that the program expects far better going forward.
Speaking during SEC Media Days, DeBoer reflected on the challenges and missteps of last season, where Alabama failed to meet its lofty standards. The Tide struggled with inconsistency on both sides of the ball, suffered uncharacteristic losses, and ultimately fell short of their usual College Football Playoff expectations.
“Last year wasn’t Alabama football,” DeBoer said. “We all know that. We’ve set a high bar here, and what happened in 2024 just can’t happen again.”
The 2024 season was DeBoer’s first at the helm following the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban. While the pressure of following a dynasty was immense, DeBoer insists that the excuses end there.
“We were still figuring things out, still building relationships, and maybe we didn’t always execute the way we should’ve,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t change the standard. That doesn’t change what’s expected.”
With a full offseason under his belt, DeBoer is optimistic about the direction of the program. He pointed to key leadership in the locker room, an experienced returning core, and a highly rated recruiting class as reasons to believe in a stronger showing in 2025.
“The guys in that locker room are hungry,” he said. “They felt what it was like to come up short. And they’ve committed themselves to making sure we never feel that again.”
Alabama opens its 2025 season against Georgia Tech in Atlanta, a game that DeBoer says will set the tone for the year.
“It’s about discipline, toughness, and execution,” DeBoer emphasized. “We know what Alabama football is supposed to look like. And this fall, that’s exactly what fans will see.”
For Crimson Tide supporters, DeBoer’s candid reflection is both an acknowledgment of the past and a bold promise for the future.