In an explosive critique that has sent shockwaves through the college football community, ESPN analyst David Pollack has harshly criticized Kalen DeBoer’s performance in his first season at Alabama. According to Pollack, DeBoer’s debut has been nothing short of a disaster, failing to meet the high expectations set for the program and leaving fans questioning the future of the Crimson Tide under his leadership.
DeBoer, who was hired to replace Nick Saban’s long-time assistant, faced a monumental task. Taking over the reins at one of the most storied programs in college football history was always going to be difficult, but Pollack argues that DeBoer has not shown the necessary qualities to succeed. In his evaluation, Pollack pointed to a series of missteps on both sides of the ball.
First, Pollack slammed DeBoer’s offensive playcalling, which he described as “uninspired” and “predictable.” Despite having a talented roster, the Crimson Tide offense struggled to find its rhythm throughout the season. Alabama’s high-powered attack, once a hallmark of the program, was often stifled by conservative game plans and poor execution. Pollack was particularly vocal about DeBoer’s inability to adapt to changing game situations, calling the offensive strategy “outdated” and “out of touch with modern football trends.”
On defense, Pollack wasn’t any kinder, claiming that DeBoer’s defensive schemes lacked aggression and were far too passive. With Alabama’s tradition of dominating defenses, Pollack expected much more from a program that prides itself on physical, relentless play. Instead, Pollack argued that the defense failed to assert itself in key moments, allowing opponents to exploit weaknesses and gain momentum in critical games.
Perhaps the most scathing aspect of Pollack’s critique was his assessment of DeBoer’s leadership. He argued that the first-year head coach appeared overwhelmed by the pressures of managing Alabama’s high expectations. Instead of inspiring confidence and galvanizing his team, Pollack believes DeBoer’s lack of experience showed, and it’s clear that the players were not responding to his methods.
With Alabama’s season ending in disappointing fashion, many are now questioning whether DeBoer is the right person for the job. While it’s still early in his tenure, Pollack’s comments serve as a harsh reminder of the intense scrutiny that comes with coaching at one of college football’s most prestigious programs. Fans will be hoping that DeBoer can prove his critics wrong and turn things around in the coming seasons—but for now, the pressure is mounting.
