Alabama Football Isn’t Regressing Under Kalen DeBoer, It’s Reloading, And Joel Klatt Is Missing the Bigger Picture

That takes time to fully click.

And even with that transition, Alabama still found ways to win.

That matters.

In fact, that might matter more than anything else. Because it shows you the floor of this program is still incredibly high, even while adjusting.

Now let’s talk about the playoff criticism, specifically the run game.

Yes, Alabama wasn’t where it needed to be statistically in yards per carry.

That’s a real concern.

No one’s denying that.

But acting like that defines the entire direction of the program is shortsighted.

Because here’s the reality: problems that are identifiable are fixable.

You can address the run game through recruiting, development, and scheme adjustments. You can’t teach culture. You can’t fake leadership. You can’t manufacture belief in a locker room.

DeBoer already has those things.

And let’s not ignore the bigger picture here. This is a coach who has won everywhere he’s been. Washington. Fresno State. Now Alabama.

The track record isn’t a question mark, it’s a strength.

What he’s doing right now isn’t trying to copy Saban.

It’s building the next version of Alabama football.

And that’s where Klatt’s take really falls apart. The idea that Alabama will struggle against teams “they’re not better than.” Since when has Alabama backed down from that challenge?

This program has been built on rising to the moment, not shrinking from it. And if anything, DeBoer’s history shows he thrives in those situations. He’s beaten top teams. He’s won big games. He’s done more with less before , now he’s doing it with Alabama talent.

That combination should scare people, not reassure them.

Look, is everything perfect right now? No.

But Alabama isn’t supposed to peak in Year 2 of a coaching transition. That’s not how this works. What you’re supposed to see is progress, identity, and a foundation being laid.

And all three of those things are happening.

The wins increased.

The quarterback position stabilized at a high level.

The culture stayed intact.

And the ceiling? It’s still right there in front of this program.

So no, Alabama didn’t regress.

It didn’t get lucky.

And it didn’t get exposed.

It’s growing.

And if you can’t see that, then you’re not looking at Alabama football, you’re looking for the old version of it.

This one might look different.

But don’t get it twisted.

It’s coming.

Roll Tide.