ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith unleashed a blistering critique of Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer on Tuesday, questioning whether the Crimson Tide’s leader is the right man to sustain the program’s championship pedigree following the Nick Saban era.
Smith, speaking on “First Take,” did not hold back in his assessment of DeBoer’s fit in Tuscaloosa. The outspoken commentator suggested Alabama should consider paying DeBoer to step away, drawing comparisons to other high-profile coaches who have faced pressure at major programs.
“Give him the money to just go away,” Smith said. “Call him Jimbo Fisher. Call him Brian Kelly. Do something. Get rid of him, because he ain’t the guy.”
The remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of DeBoer’s tenure, now in its third season. While DeBoer has posted winning records and secured some notable victories, the program has experienced inconsistencies, blowout losses and a perceived shift in culture that has left some observers, including Smith, unimpressed.
As a longtime voice in sports media and a self-described Alabama supporter, Smith has repeatedly voiced doubts about DeBoer as Saban’s successor. His latest comments amplify a narrative that has circulated among fans and analysts since DeBoer was hired in January 2024.
DeBoer arrived at Alabama with an impressive resume, including a national championship appearance at Washington. Yet Smith has argued that pedigree alone does not guarantee success in the demanding SEC environment shaped by Saban’s relentless standards.
“These guys are soft compared to the teams we saw coached by Nick Saban,” Smith has said in previous on-air discussions, highlighting what he sees as a cultural disconnect.
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne and university leadership have backed DeBoer publicly, pointing to recruiting successes and on-field competitiveness in key moments. However, high expectations in Tuscaloosa mean anything short of consistent contention for the College Football Playoff and national titles draws intense examination.
Smith’s call for a change echoes frustrations expressed by portions of the Alabama fan base after lopsided defeats, including playoff performances that fell short of historical standards. He has maintained that while DeBoer may be a capable coach elsewhere, the Alabama job requires a specific intensity and identity.
Critics of Smith’s stance note that transitioning from a legendary figure like Saban was always going to involve growing pains. No coach can instantly replicate the infrastructure and aura Saban built over nearly two decades.
Yet Smith remains firm. In multiple appearances, he has suggested alternatives, floated names like Deion Sanders and emphasized the need for a “meat and potatoes” approach suited to SEC football rather than the finesse style associated with DeBoer’s Pac-12 background.
DeBoer and his staff have focused on player development, portal additions and maintaining recruiting momentum. Alabama continues to attract top talent, but execution in big games has fueled debate about long-term direction.
For now, the pressure on DeBoer intensifies with every headline. Smith’s platform ensures his opinions reach millions, adding fuel to conversations already swirling in Alabama circles. Whether the program makes a change or doubles down on DeBoer will define the next chapter of Crimson Tide football.
Fans and observers will watch closely as the season progresses.
In a program where “Roll Tide” once symbolized dominance, Smith’s blunt declaration — that DeBoer “ain’t the guy” — captures the anxiety of a fan base accustomed to excellence.
