By Mmesoma 
A storm is brewing in Tuscaloosa—and this time, it’s not on the field.
Former Alabama defensive lineman [Player Name], who suited up for the Crimson Tide during the [Year-Year] seasons, has publicly criticized the program’s coaching decisions, reigniting conversations about internal tensions during the team’s transitional period.
In a candid appearance on the Gridiron Truth podcast, the ex-Tide standout didn’t mince words when discussing his time under the previous coaching staff.
“There were moments when it felt like we weren’t being put in the best position to succeed,” he said. “It’s Alabama—standards are sky-high. But at times, the coaching decisions made you question whether winning was being prioritized or just playing favorites.”
Though the player stopped short of naming individuals, his remarks pointed toward inconsistencies in defensive play-calling and player rotations. He also criticized the lack of adaptability during key games.
“We had talent—first-round talent. But schemes didn’t change, adjustments weren’t made,” he added. “You could feel the frustration in the locker room.”
The comments come months after the legendary Nick Saban’s retirement and the hiring of head coach Kalen DeBoer, ushering in a new era for Alabama football. While DeBoer has been praised for modernizing the offense and reshaping team culture, echoes of past dissatisfaction are beginning to surface.
“I don’t regret going to Bama. It made me who I am,” the former lineman clarified. “But people should know—it wasn’t always the well-oiled machine the outside world believed it to be.”
Current and former teammates have responded with mixed reactions. Some have backed the player’s perspective, citing similar frustrations behind closed doors, while others have pushed back, saying such critiques disrespect the legacy built under the Crimson Tide’s storied coaching lineage.
Former Alabama linebacker [Another Former Player’s Name] weighed in on X (formerly Twitter):
> “You don’t throw family under the bus. If you had a problem, handle it in-house.”
As of now, the university has not released a statement regarding the comments.
What remains clear, however, is that even programs as dominant as Alabama are not immune to internal strife. And as the Crimson Tide marches into a new chapter, voices from the past—like this one—continue to shape the conversation around its evolving identity.