Kalen DeBoer’s first year as Alabama’s head coach was a mixed bag, earning him a ‘C-‘ grade. Despite a 9-4 record, DeBoer’s team struggled with consistency, suffering losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma, and ending the season with an underwhelming bowl loss to Michigan.
DeBoer’s coaching philosophy emphasizes class, integrity, and academic success, with a focus on building a strong team culture. His track record at previous stops, including Washington and Fresno State, suggests he’s capable of producing winning teams. However, his debut season at Alabama fell short of expectations.
In contrast, other first-year coaches fared better. Curt Cignetti, who took over at Indiana, earned an ‘A+’ grade after leading the Hoosiers to an 11-2 record and a historic season. Fran Brown, who succeeded Dino Babers at Syracuse, also received an ‘A+’ grade after guiding the Orange to a 10-3 record and a No. 21 final CFP ranking.
Other notable first-year coaches include:
– Brent Brennan: Arizona’s new coach, who received a ‘D’ grade after a 4-8 season
– Bill O’Brien: Boston College’s new coach, who earned a ‘B’ grade after a 7-6 season
– Manny Diaz: Duke’s new coach, who received an ‘A’ grade after a 9-4 season
DeBoer’s uneven debut season at Alabama raises questions about his ability to replicate the success he had at Washington and Fresno State. However, it’s worth noting that DeBoer has a strong track record of developing players and building winning cultures. Alabama fans will be watching closely to see how DeBoer adjusts and improves in his second season.
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