Expectations at Alabama have always been sky-high, thanks largely to the remarkable legacy left by Nick Saban with the Crimson Tide. This makes it challenging for any season to feel truly successful in Tuscaloosa, even when it’s objectively quite good.
Take Kalen DeBoer’s inaugural year as head coach, for example. The Tide posted a 9-4 record, a performance many schools would be thrilled with. Entering the final stretch, they were in the conversation for the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Yet, Alabama missed out on the CFP and later succumbed to Michigan in their bowl game. While 2024 wasn’t exactly a fairy tale ending for the Tide, 2025 is shaping up to feel different. Jeff Allen, the longtime senior associate athletic director, notes a more relaxed vibe as the team gears up for DeBoer’s second season.
Last year, adapting to change was paramount, and that’s rarely a smooth path. “Not that last spring was bad,” Allen mentioned on the “Hey Coach” show airing on the Crimson Tide Sports Network, as reported by Tuscaloosa News. “There’s always a learning curve with a new staff and new coach for everyone involved. Regardless of your role, we all had to adjust to meet his vision. The players were acclimating to new offensive and defensive schemes, with many meeting new position coaches. So many changes, yet now, there’s a clear sense of comfort.”
This newfound comfort could be crucial as the Tide head into the 2025 season. With players more at ease, it’s likely that DeBoer, too, has settled into his role with greater confidence.
Of course, stepping in for a legend like Saban places immense pressure on DeBoer, but having a year beneath his belt should help him better manage expectations. Facing hiccups like the loss to Vanderbilt tested resilience, while other occasions showed the squad stepping up admirably.
The fresh slate of the 2025 season presents an opportunity for both DeBoer and his team to redefine themselves. As new talents take the stage, past performances will only influence them as much as they allow.
Ultimately, the idea of comfort is something to be embraced. When a team sidesteps tension, it tends to perform better. “In sports, ‘comfortable’ might not always seem desirable,” Allen reflected, “but in our case, it’s a positive. Our players are settled, they know they belong here, and there’s a palpable change in their demeanor.”
