Until then, the SEC rivals do not hold the Tide in the same regard as they did two years ago, according to an anonymous SEC coach. “The expectations define this place. I think you’ll see a competitive program that could end up in Atlanta and make the playoffs.
” The Tides have turned to Alabama, whose reputation in the SEC was severely damaged by Nick Saban’s departure from Tuscaloosa. Alabama would still be good in 2025, even good enough to make it to the college football playoffs, but it will take much more than that to establish the program as good as Saban’s dynasty.
“Bama’s not a surefire lock every season.” According to Athlon Sports, this is the main statement ascribed to an unnamed SEC head coach (and taken up by different publications including Sporting News and BamaHammer). The belief is that Nick Saban’s era of automatic dominance is finished, even if Alabama will still be a competitive program that can qualify for the playoffs and contend for the SEC championship.
After Saban: The departure of famed coach Nick Saban is the main reason given for this change. SEC coaches recognize Saban’s unmatched success and think his absence drastically alters the situation. It is a “new era” in which the “fear” of Alabama may not be as widespread as it formerly was.
Enhanced Parity In addition to Saban’s exit, the transfer portal and the growth of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) are viewed as elements promoting greater equality in college football. According to some coaches, these modifications make it more difficult for any one team to “stockpile talent” and continue to dominate in the same way that Alabama did for a long time.
The meaning of the statements made by the unnamed coaches:
Competitive but not dominant: These unnamed individuals generally agree that Alabama will remain a top-tier team. In addition to being “competitive,” they anticipate that DeBoer’s team will likely qualify for the expanded College Football Playoff and be able to go to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. The reliable “surefire lock” status is being questioned, though.
The “biggest question” for Alabama, according to a number of coaches, is the quarterback position. The competition between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell is being closely watched since Jalen Milroe left. Although they recognize that Alabama has a “solid offensive line” and a squad free of “obvious holes,” they believe that the quarterback’s performance is crucial to the team’s potential.
DeBoer’s Assignment: The tremendous pressure on Kalen DeBoer to replace Saban is acknowledged on a deeper level. Coaches are aware that Alabama supporters have very high and distinct expectations. The final test will be if DeBoer can keep the program at its elite level without Saban leading it.
Roster Stability as a Positive: It’s interesting to note that some anonymous coaches also cited Alabama’s success in keeping its roster through the spring transfer portal window as a sign of the players’ support for the new staff and the athletic department’s “serious” approach to NIL.
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