Kalen DeBoer Sends Clear Message to Alabama Critics on First Day of Fall Camp

On Alabama's first day of fall camp, head coach Kalen DeBoer acknowledged what everyone around college football has been saying about the Crimson Tide.

After getting demolished by the defending champion Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl, there’s a feeling around college football that the game has passed the Crimson Tide by.

And when he was asked about that chatter, his response was simple.

“Yeah, we are definitely aware.”

DeBoer, who typically gives answers in more than one sentence, kept that one short and sweet.

The criticism surrounding Alabama has only intensified throughout the offseason, making DeBoer's response unsurprising.

But this isn’t new for DeBoer. After the Florida State debacle during Week 1 of the 2025 season, many had called for his job in Tuscaloosa.

However, DeBoer has done an admirable job at using that vitriol aimed at his program into motivation.

"We better be keeping the pain of what happened Week 1 internally,” he said during the leadup to Week 3 of the 2025 season. “Channel the energy, channel whatever level of frustration, being upset, whatever you want to call it, ... into our preparation."

This year's Alabama team will look much different.

Alabama is replacing its starting quarterback, breaking in four new offensive linemen and reshaping several key positions on both sides of the ball.

And given how new this team looks, DeBoer has just one message for his squad.

“Just keep working,” DeBoer said. “We’ve talked about working in silence since January, and these guys (are) just doing their thing, not getting caught up in anything they can’t control. We know what our goals are. We know what our expectations are. We’ve never shied away from that. We attack the day.”

When you follow one of the greatest coaches of our generation, people are going to watch the successor with a white hot light.

Luckily, DeBoer doesn’t seem flustered. He seems ready to work, and ready for what’s to come.

“I’ve been pleased with it, but we’ve got to be great because there’s some big-time moments that are going to be coming our way with the schedule you have, and that’s gonna happen in college football. So, we’ve got to be ready, prepared, know how we’re going to respond.”

The talking is over. Fall camp has begun, and Alabama finally has the opportunity to answer its critics on the field.