However, Alabama play-by-play broadcaster Christ Stewart believes it isn't just that simple. "Da Bear (Bryant) struggled his first year back in Tuscaloosa inheriting a tough situation, Da GOAT (Saban) struggled in his first year inheriting a less than ideal situation, and DeBoer inherited a good job," Stewart said.

Being the first head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football program after Nick Saban was never going to be easy, but first-year coach Kalen DeBoer is

Bernard committed to and signed with DeBoer at Washington in the 2022 class. Bernard was granted a release from his letter of intent less than a month later and signed with Michigan State, but returned to Washington and to DeBoer in 2023 before following the Huskies coach to Tuscaloosa in 2024.

Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide suffered their second loss in three weeks after falling to the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday. The defeat fueled the fans' frustration even more, especially for a program that is so used to dominating the college football ranks under Nick Saban.

Late in the fourth quarter of the Alabama Crimson Tide's 24-17 loss to the Tennessee Vols, Bama true freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams was criticized by ESPN announcer Greg McElroy for not making a block on a fourth-and-22 play.